Nigerian-Britons Warned Not to Call 999 Over Barbecues Unless There Is an Emergency

For many Nigerian families in the UK, a summer gathering is rarely complete without food on the grill. But with temperatures soaring and the risk of wildfires rising, firefighters are asking people to be careful about when and where they light a barbecue.

They are also asking people not to call 999 simply because a neighbour has fired up a BBQ.

Fire services say emergency lines are already dealing with a high volume of calls. The advice is to call 999 if there is a genuine emergency, heavy smoke or an immediate danger to people, buildings or the environment.

The warning follows a mobile phone alert sent across parts of the UK on Friday. People were told not to light anything that could start a wildfire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators and fireworks.

The government has also temporarily banned the sale of disposable barbecues because of the risks posed by the current heatwave.

““Call 999 only where there is a genuine emergency or an immediate risk to life, property or the environment.””

That is particularly relevant for Nigerians and other Black communities, where barbecues and outdoor family gatherings are a popular part of summer.

It does not mean every barbecue is an emergency. But anyone planning one should check the latest local fire advice and avoid disposable BBQs where they are prohibited.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said it could not send crews to reports of neighbours having BBQs, bonfires or campfires unless there was an emergency.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service issued a similar message, asking people to call 999 only where there is “a genuine emergency or an immediate risk to life, property or the environment”.

So, by all means enjoy the gathering and get the food going where it is safe and permitted. Just keep an eye on the conditions and keep 999 for when someone actually needs the fire service.