Guide — Outdoor Fire Safety
Fire Safety in the Garden
A garden bonfire or BBQ that gets out of control can reach a fence or outbuilding in under two minutes on a dry day. Clearance distances, fuel choices, and a clear understanding of when to call 999 are the difference between a garden fire and a structure fire.
Most important rule
Never leave any garden fire unattended. This includes fire pits, chimineas, and ash from a BBQ that appears to be out. Ash retains heat for many hours and can re-ignite in wind. A fire that is "done" at 9 pm can spread through dry mulch or decking by midnight.
Clearance distances by activity
| Activity | Minimum clearance | Key rules |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic bonfire | 5 m from structures/boundaries | No legal ban in England/Wales, but nuisance smoke is enforceable; never burn treated wood, plastics, or garden waste on windy days |
| BBQ (charcoal/gas) | 3 m from structures, fences, and overhead | 3-metre rule; never on balconies; never inside or in a tent/gazebo; see BBQ fire safety guide |
| Disposable BBQ | 3 m; must be on hard, non-combustible surface | Do NOT place on grass, decking, or picnic tables; ash remains dangerously hot for hours |
| Fire pit / chiminea | 3–5 m from structures, trees, fences | Use on hard non-combustible surface; have a bucket of water or sand beside it; never leave unattended |
| Pizza oven (outdoor) | 1 m side clearance; 2 m above | Follow manufacturer clearance; check fuel type — wood-burning has higher spark risk than gas |
What makes a garden fire spread
Dry conditions are the primary risk factor — during UK heatwaves, lawn grass and bark mulch can reach a moisture content that supports rapid surface fire spread. A bonfire ember carried on a light wind can land in dry garden debris up to 10 metres away. Decking — particularly composite decking — is especially vulnerable: once alight it burns with intense heat and is difficult to extinguish with a garden hose.
The second major factor is proximity to structures. A fence caught by a garden fire will transfer fire to an adjacent garden, shed, or house within minutes. The 3–5 metre clearance rules are specifically designed to prevent this chain of spread. For wildfire-specific risk, see our defensible space guide.
What not to burn
- Treated or painted wood — releases toxic fumes and burns intensely
- Garden waste in wet clumps — creates dense smoke but poor combustion; use a licensed waste facility
- Plastics, rubber, or synthetic materials — illegal to burn; creates toxic plume
- Large piles of dry material in a single load — start small and add gradually
- Anything in windy conditions — wait for calm days or dry days with no more than a gentle breeze
Related BBQ safety
For BBQ-specific guidance including charcoal lighting, disposable BBQ use, gas BBQ cylinder safety, and ash disposal, see our dedicated BBQ fire safety guide and the BBQ fire statistics summer 2026 article. For carbon monoxide from BBQs used in enclosed spaces, see our carbon monoxide safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ