With hundreds of garden fires taking place across the capital in the last three years caused by items such as outdoor heaters, BBQs, fire pits and burning garden waste, national burns rehabilitation charity, the Katie Piper Foundation and London Fire Brigade are urging Londoners to stay vigilant as rising temperatures and increasingly dry conditions create the perfect environment for fires to spread this Summer.
Such fires not only put lives at risk, but can also cause significant long-term injuries and trauma to those affected.
London Fire Brigade shares expert tips on how to stay safe during BBQ season:
Don’t use a BBQ on a balcony. Flames, sparks and hot embers can cause a fire and spread quickly to other parts of the building
Position your BBQ on level ground (not decking) and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire such as sheds, fences or trees.
Never light a barbecue in an enclosed space and don’t use accelerants to get it going.
Avoid distractions from people around you and never leave the BBQ unattended.
Avoid drinking alcohol if you are in charge of the BBQ.
Keep children, pets and garden games a safe distance from the BBQ. Have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use.
After cooking, let it cool and make sure it is properly out – smouldering ashes can give off dangerous carbon monoxide fumes and can be fatal.
The Katie Piper Foundation, established by burns survivor Katie Piper OBE in 2009, is the only charity in the UK to provide burns rehabilitation and is dedicated to providing physical, psychological and emotional support for those who have experienced life-altering burns and scarring.
The Foundation relies heavily on charity donations in order to continue its good work and is currently focusing on raising money to support a specialist psychotherapist to deliver trauma-informed mental health care for burns survivors. This vital service helps survivors navigate psychological, emotional, and social recovery, reducing isolation, building confidence, and strengthening resilience. During the Small Charity Week Match Funding campaign, 23rd-30th June 2025, all donations to the Katie Piper Foundation will be doubled.
Burns survivors often experience severe psychological trauma, including PTSD, suicidal thoughts and profound isolation. Many struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulty reintegrating into society. With access to specialist mental health support being extremely limited, the Katie Piper Foundation and its fundraising goals play a vital role in a burns victim’s recovery, helping them to process their trauma and rebuild their lives.
Katie Piper, Founder of the Katie Piper Foundation comments, “At the Katie Piper Foundation, we see first-hand the devastating consequences that fire can have on people’s lives. That’s why we’re so grateful for the incredible work the London Fire Brigade does – not only in responding to emergencies, but in helping to prevent them through vital education and awareness. Their efforts truly save lives.”
Assistant Commissioner Pamela Oparaocha, London Fire Brigade, said: “If you are planning a garden party or an evening around the firepit, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risks of an accidental garden fire.
“Sparks and small embers can cause a fire and lead to serious injuries. Last summer, we attended 157 accidental garden fires – that’s 12 a week on average.
“Always position barbeques away from anything that could catch fire quickly, never leave a barbecue or firepit unattended – and watch out for children and pets who could knock them over.
“The Katie Piper Foundation sees hundreds of people who have suffered life changing injuries and offers them invaluable support. Together, we want to raise awareness of how people can avoid accidents and enjoy summer safely.”
From 23rd-30th June, during Small Charity Week, all donations to the Katie Piper Foundation will be matched- doubling the impact of people’s generosity. Each gift will help fund vital trauma-informed therapy for burns survivors.
