BBQs and litter
Temporary prohibition on barbecues and naked flames
Due to the current hot and dry weather, Portsmouth City Council has introduced a temporary prohibition on barbecues, including disposable barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment involving naked flames on the Council’s land at the following locations:
- Canoe Lake Park
- Land bounded by Clarence Esplanade, Clarence Parade, Avenue de Caen and Serpentine Road
These locations have been identified as particularly vulnerable to fire because of current ground and environmental conditions.
As the owner of the land, Portsmouth City Council has introduced this temporary prohibition to help reduce the risk of fire while allowing both sites to remain open for recreation and public enjoyment.
Council staff, seafront rangers and community wardens will be monitoring these areas. Anyone using a barbecue or other outdoor cooking equipment involving a naked flame may be asked to extinguish it and remove it from the site.
This includes:
- Disposable barbecues
- Reusable barbecues
- Gas canisters and gas stoves
- Charcoal and coal barbecues
- Fire pits
- Campfires
- Any other naked flame
Please help to keep everyone safe and protect trees, wildlife and property.
Why has this prohibition been introduced?
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has warned that the wildfire risk remains extremely high and that many outdoor fires are preventable.
Recent hot and dry weather has left grass, vegetation, leaf litter and trees exceptionally dry. These conditions significantly increase the risk of fire.
Barbecues, hot coals and naked flames present a foreseeable risk of ignition, and even a small spark or ember could allow a fire to spread quickly.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging people visiting outdoor spaces to leave barbecues at home and take a picnic instead, while following its outdoor fire safety guidance.
Public safety is the council’s primary consideration.
How long will the prohibition remain in place?
The prohibition is temporary and will be reviewed every 14 days or sooner if weather conditions, ground conditions or fire risk change materially.
Can I still visit these areas?
Yes. Both sites remain open for recreation, exercise, picnics and social activities. Only barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment involving naked flames are affected by the prohibition.
Why do the restrictions only apply at these sites?
Canoe Lake Park and the land west of Avenue de Caen have been assessed as being particularly vulnerable to fire in the current conditions. The council has therefore prioritised these locations for action.
Could other locations be added?
Yes. The council will continue to monitor weather conditions, site conditions and fire risk. Additional locations may be considered if similar risks are identified elsewhere.
What should I do instead?
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service recommends leaving barbecues at home and taking a picnic instead during periods of hot and dry weather, while following its outdoor fire safety guidance.
Litter
We work year-round to keep the seafront clean, with teams clearing bins and maintaining public areas. During busy periods like hot weather and bank holidays, we increase cleaning and bin collections.
However, we can’t provide unlimited bins, and they can fill quickly during busy times.
You can help by:
- taking your rubbish home where possible
- using bins responsibly and not leaving waste beside them
- in areas where they are permitted, dispose of BBQ waste safely in the clearly marked BBQ bins
Leaving rubbish behind damages the environment, increases costs, and spoils the experience for everyone. So, as we say in Portsmouth, don’t be a din, put it in the bin!
If you see litter that hasn’t been cleaned up, you can report it to us: