As the bank holiday approaches, visitors to Leeds parks are being reminded that barbecues are strictly prohibited to help protect the parks and their wildlife.
While picnics are encouraged, Leeds City Council is stressing that barbecues and any other forms of open flames are banned in all parks and greenspaces across the city. Barbecues pose a significant fire risk, as hot ash and embers can easily ignite dry grass, leading to rapidly spreading fires. Additionally, visitors are urged to dispose of their litter responsibly by either taking it home or using designated bins. Litter, especially glass bottles left in the sun or discarded cigarettes, can also become potential fire hazards.
In addition to the environmental consequences, the financial cost of dealing with fires is substantial. Emergency services must be deployed to contain and extinguish the blaze, often requiring significant manpower and equipment. For example, the 2021 fire on Marsden Moor in West Yorkshire, which required over 100 firefighters to control, resulted in costs exceeding £500,000. Such incidents divert resources from other critical services and place additional strain on public finances.
Visitors to Leeds parks are also reminded of the dangers posed by littering, particularly glass bottles and cigarette butts. Glass bottles, when left in direct sunlight, can act as magnifying glasses, concentrating the sun’s rays and igniting nearby dry grass. Cigarette butts thrown carelessly on the ground can smolder and start fires long after being discarded.
To help prevent fires, Leeds City Council urges all park-goers to follow these guidelines:
Avoid barbecues and open flames: Barbecues and any form of fire lighting are strictly prohibited in all parks and greenspaces.
Dispose of litter responsibly: Take your litter home or use the bins provided, ensuring that no glass bottles or other flammable materials are left behind.
Be mindful of cigarette disposal: Always extinguish cigarettes fully and dispose of them in designated bins.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space said:
“We’re loving seeing everyone out and enjoying the sunshine in our parks, but we want to remind people that we don’t allow barbecues and would encourage choosing a picnic instead.
“I know it can seem like a harmless thing, but barbecues can lead to fires that are devastating for the wildlife, and our parks, so please fire up your barbecue at home instead!
“If you do see a grass fire, please call 999.”
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Assistant District Commander in Leeds, Aaron Clark said:
“We want to encourage people to enjoy the lovely parks and countryside that West Yorkshire have to offer, however, please do this safely. Barbecues are a hazard and can cause widespread fires which can be very resource intensive for us to tackle as a service.
“Disposable BBQs can get very hot underneath, so even if you think you have extinguished them they can retain heat and ignite, leading to fire spread. Please consider taking a picnic instead and save your barbecuing for a more appropriate space.”
One of the primary dangers is the use of barbecues, which are strictly prohibited in all Leeds parks and greenspaces. The hot ash and embers from barbecues can easily ignite dry grass, leading to fires that can spread uncontrollably. Even a small fire can cause significant damage, not only to the landscape but also to the wildlife that inhabits these areas. Birds, small mammals, and insects are particularly vulnerable, with ground-nesting birds at great risk during the breeding season.
The impact of fires extends beyond immediate destruction. The peatland and grassy areas in Leeds parks play a crucial role in carbon storage and help combat climate change. When these areas are burned, the carbon stored in the soil is released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. The restoration of these habitats after a fire is both time-consuming and costly, requiring extensive resources and long-term efforts to return the land to its former state.
By following these simple precautions, visitors can help protect Leeds parks from the devastating impact of fires and ensure these beautiful spaces remain safe for everyone to enjoy www.leeds.gov.uk
