'Leave our gardens alone': YEP readers split over disposable BBQ ban after emergency alert

Following an emergency heat alert surprising everyone on Friday night (and cue mini heart-attacks), dozens of moorland wildfires, and a temporary nationwide ban on the sale and supply of disposable BBQs ordered by the government, the debate across Leeds has reached boiling point.

With authorities and fire crews in parts of the UK stretched to capacity, ministers instructed retailers to pull the single-use trays from shelves and online stores with immediate effect. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the dry conditions as a "tinderbox," urging the public to avoid open flames.

When we asked Yorkshire Evening Post asked readers on our Facebook page whether the ban was the right call, hundreds weighed in.

While many welcomed the decision as a "no-brainer" to protect emergency services, others insisted that responsible home users shouldn't be penalized for using them safely on private property.

"Ban them in public, but leave our gardens alone"

For many readers, the debate boiled down to a clear distinction between public land and private property.

While there was widespread support for outlawing disposable grills in parks and on the moors, many insisted that people should remain free to use them at home.

Lynne Stevens suggested a practical compromise, writing: "They should be banned in public places, but not for home use. I use them at home on top of my existing BBQ because they're much easier to get going."

Simon Perkins echoed that sentiment, adding: "I'm all for banning them in parks and such, but I use them in the garden then dispose of them safely - it saves cleaning a permanent one!"

Taking inspiration from facilities abroad, Janet Clark suggested local councils look at dedicated infrastructure rather than outright bans: "Abroad we have found designated BBQ spots with concrete bases where all you need is the charcoal and food. Wouldn’t that make more sense?"

"A no-brainer to protect our fire crews and moorlands"

On the other hand, a large portion of readers argued that the sheer frequency of wildfires across Yorkshire's parks and countryside means temporary compromises are no longer enough.

Reader Alex Byers made the case for protecting emergency services during extreme heat, noting: "Disposable BBQs used in the wrong conditions or left smouldering unattended cause fires.

Every preventable fire that is stopped means our fire services are available to respond to other incidents."

Rob Stubbs agreed, calling a ban "long overdue to save our moorlands," while Steve Evans highlighted the reality facing local crews: "During a drought with fire crews at full stretch... YES!"

The damage is already visible across local parks in the Leeds suburbs.

Regular visitor Gerald Thompson shared what he sees on his daily walks: "Definitely a good idea on Roundhay Park. I take my dog for a walk and there are several scorched areas where there used to be grass, not to mention the discarded litter."

Carole Fursland summed up the frustration of many, writing: "It shouldn't even be necessary, but with common sense pretty thin on the ground, it is necessary unfortunately."

"It’s the idiot behind it, not the BBQ"

Countering calls for new legislation, another group of readers argued that banning a product fails to address the root issue: human behaviour and a lack of individual responsibility.

Ian Hughes argued for better public education over blanket bans, stating: "How about educating people first? It’s not the BBQ, it’s the person behind it."

Salvador Foxx pointed out that the trays themselves aren't faulty, writing: "There is nothing wrong with disposable BBQs, just problems with the people who use them.

It's common sense that the BBQ will still be very hot long after you have finished cooking."

Taking that logic further, David Holland questioned where regulatory bans would eventually stop: "A disposable BBQ needs to be lit — do we then ban matches and lighters next?"

Highlighting how community groups rely on them, reader Ruth Dale shared her experience: "Last week we bought three, put them on a concrete wall at church, and had a BBQ for 40 church folk who mostly live alone. Afterwards we filled them with water until safe to dispose of.

Part of me thinks they should be banned, but thousands are being punished for the actions of a few."

While you're at it... ban sky lanterns too

If there was one point of total agreement across the entire comment section, it was that disposable BBQs aren't the only serious fire hazard that needs tackling during extreme dry spells.

Dozens of readers called for an immediate halt to sky lanterns and unregulated fireworks sales, with Christopher Hall summarizing the general consensus: "Disposable BBQs, fireworks, flares, and sky lanterns - they are all pointless in this weather, all dangerous, scrap the lot."