Cleveland Fire Brigade is urging people to have some ‘Food for Thought’ before heading outdoors this summer, after attending more than 2,000 grassland fires in 2025 alone, with a further 430 incidents already recorded so far this year. Over the past five years, crews have responded to more than 7,000 grass fires. ***
With warmer weather drawing people to beaches, parks, moorland and open spaces, firefighters are asking the public to swap disposable barbecues for safer alternatives such as picnics.
Crews warn that even a small heat source, such as a disposable barbecue, can ignite dry grass and vegetation in seconds, causing fires that spread rapidly and are difficult to control. A single barbecue can have devastating consequences for wildlife, habitats and local communities.
The appeal follows a major moorland fire in North Yorkshire last year, which burned for 40 days and covered nearly 10 square miles (25 square kilometres). Investigations found the fire was most likely caused by someone cooking with a campfire or gas burner, with Cleveland Fire Brigade crews supporting the large-scale response.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a small heat source can become a major emergency, particularly during prolonged periods of warm, dry weather.
Richie Brown, Station Manager and Acting Head of Prevention, said:
“These incidents are far too common, and many are completely preventable. Disposable barbecues may seem harmless, but they can stay hot for hours and only take seconds to start a fire in dry conditions.
By making safer choices, such as leaving barbecues at home, we can help protect people, places and future communities, while keeping our crews available for life-threatening emergencies.
This summer, we’re asking people to have some real Food for Thought – leave the disposable barbecue at home, pack a picnic instead, and help us protect the places we all enjoy.”
Before You Head Outdoors, Have Some Food for Thought:
- Never use disposable barbecues – pack a picnic instead
- Take all rubbish home with you or use a suitable public bin
- Never leave glass bottles behind, as sunlight can magnify through glass and start fires
- Avoid smoking in the countryside. If you do smoke, always fully extinguish cigarettes
- Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows – they can easily start fires and destroy large areas of land
Be prepared:
- Download the what3words app to help identify your exact location in an emergency
If you see a wildfire:
- Call 999 immediately – never assume someone else has reported it
- Provide as much detail as possible, including location, size of the fire and surrounding terrain
- Move to a safe place and do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself
By making small changes to your plans, you can help prevent wildfires, protect wildlife and keep firefighters available for genuine emergencies.
If you have any information on who is behind deliberate fires in your area please get in touch via FireStoppers which is 100% anonymous. Alternatively, you can call them on 0800 169 5558.
***Figures correct at time of publishing, June 2026
