Eco & Environment, Nature & Wildlife | Posted on August 11th, 2025 | return to news

Dorset MP calls for barbecue safety measures

The second-highest number of barbecue incidents in the UK have occurred in Dorset in the last three years.

Local MP Vikki Slade says she is horrified that, during this particularly dry summer, numerous fires have been caused by barbecues.

Dorset Police have the second-highest number of incidents across the UK, with 475 reported since 2022.

The emergency services responded to a Freedom of Information request to reveal that in Dorset, there have been 103 BBQ-related fires, resulting in two casualties and 475 police incidents. However, there have been no arrests in the last three years.

The data shows that for every 100 emergency service responses to BBQ incidents, fewer than two result in enforcement action.

Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said: “The latest data is deeply concerning, Dorset is among the areas with the highest number of BBQ-related incidents, yet enforcement remains almost non-existent.

“With nearly 4,000 fires and over 300 hospital admissions reported across the UK, it’s unacceptable that only 67 fines have been issued in the last three years. Our emergency services are already under strain.

“I’ve repeatedly called on the government to take this seriously, but ministers insist councils have sufficient powers. The truth is, they don’t have the resources or national backing to act effectively.

“We need urgent leadership, stronger restrictions on disposable BBQs, proper enforcement, and real support to protect our countryside and communities.”