11/07/2025

New data reveals the regions with the most barbecue accidents in the UK

Home insurance

With summer in full swing and barbecues firing up across the country, our latest research reveals alarming regional hotspots where outdoor cooking has led to the most serious fire incidents in the UK.

We analysed Fire and Rescue Service data from the government’s Incident Recording System (IRS) reported across England from 2020 and 2024, obtained via a Freedom of Information request.

The study looked at 4,478 barbecue-related incidents, with Greater London now the country’s top BBQ fire hotspot, overtaking Greater Manchester for the first time.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the data – and more importantly, give safety tips for enjoying your next barbecue.

The regions experiencing the most barbecue fires

The data reveals that in 2024 alone, there were 640 barbecue-related fire incidents reported across the country.

Greater London recorded the highest number with 61 incidents, while Greater Manchester followed with 58. West Yorkshire reported 51 cases, and Lancashire completed the top four with 37 fires. This marks a notable change from previous years, as Greater London has now overtaken Greater Manchester as the nation’s leading hotspot for barbecue accidents.

Top 10 UK regions most prone to barbecue incidents in 2024

  1. Greater London: 61 accidents
  2. Greater Manchester: 58 accidents
  3. West Yorkshire: 51 accidents
  4. Lancashire: 37 accidents
  5. Avon: 33 accidents
  6. Hampshire and Isle of Wight: 33 accidents
  7. South Yorkshire: 32 accidents
  8. Derbyshire: 29 accidents
  9. Merseyside: 27 accidents
  10. Essex: 23 accidents

Greater London has now overtaken Greater Manchester as the most BBQ fire-prone area in the country.

Regions with the most barbecue fires over the past five years

Overall, the number of barbecue-related fires has declined significantly since the peak of 1,186 incidents nationwide in 2020, likely due to increased home barbecuing during COVID lockdowns.

However, the data suggests that risk patterns are shifting between major urban centres, with London’s dense population and growing popularity of outdoor living presenting new challenges for barbecue safety.

Greater London’s numbers have remained comparatively stable, consistently recording over 60 incidents each year and leading the country with 61 cases in 2024.

In contrast, Greater Manchester has experienced a steady decline in incidents, falling by 56% from its 2020 peak of 132 cases, to just 58 cases in 2024.

Other regions have also seen significant changes. Avon, for example, recorded a dramatic increase in 2024, with 33 incidents, almost four times higher than its total of just nine in 2023, marking it as a new hotspot to watch.

Year-by-year: Which region topped the list?

  • 2020: Greater Manchester, 132 accidents
  • 2021: Greater Manchester, 120 accidents
  • 2022: West Yorkshire, 96 accidents
  • 2023: Greater Manchester, 76 accidents
  • 2024: Greater London, 61 accidents
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Where and how these barbecue fires start

 

Government figures show that barbecue accidents range from minor garden flare-ups to serious property fires. More than half of these incidents (56%) are classed as “secondary fires” typically affecting rubbish, grass, or small outdoor items and structures.

But barbecues can lead to much bigger problems. Over the past five years, 693 were dwelling fires and 613 were in other types of buildings, highlighting how quickly things can escalate.

The most commonly affected property types are:

  • Outdoor fittings or storage areas (504 incidents)
  • Garden sheds (294 incidents)
  • Wheelie bins (236 incidents)
  • Fences (117 incidents)

Many of these fires begin in outdoor spaces and spread to nearby structures — often due to barbecues placed too close to flammable items.

The data makes it clear: placing barbecues too close to combustible materials, loose rubbish, or outdoor storage is a major risk.

 

Our tips for barbecuing safely this summer

 

With 114.9 million barbecue occasions in the UK in summer 2025, and with June 2025 being the warmest June ever recorded, it’s clear to see why outdoor cooking is as popular as ever.

Here are our top tips for keeping you, your loved ones and your home safe this summer:

  • Don’t use petrol or accelerants as they can trigger explosive fires.
  • Check gas BBQs for leaks and ensure you use the correct fuel.
  • Choose a safe location — flat, open space away from trees and fences.
  • Supervise your BBQ at all times, especially around children or pets.
  • Cool charcoal properly. Let ashes cool completely before disposal.
  • Keep safety gear close. Water, sand and a fire blanket can make a big difference.

 

Important details about home insurance cover

 

When it comes to barbecue fires, most home insurance policies do offer cover, but there’s a catch. If there’s evidence alcohol impairment played a role in the incident, insurers can refuse the claim.

That means even a single incident where alcohol impairs judgement could lead to a denied claim, so non-alcohol-related cooking and safe setup matters more than you think.

We highly people to review their home insurance cover to understand what is and isn’t covered. For owners of holiday homes, remember there may be additional requirements around fire alarms and safety equipment.

Fire risks in the home aren’t limited to barbecues either as battery fires are becoming increasingly common within homes too. Aside from fire, even certain plants can cause structural damage to a home and invalidate insurance if left unmanaged.

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