Temporary fire restrictions brought in across town plots
Allotment holders in Ipswich have been told to stop lighting bonfires and using barbecues after the borough council introduced a temporary prohibition in response to the continuing spell of hot, dry weather. The restriction, brought in due to an elevated fire risk, will remain in place until 30 September, according to the council.
Announcing the move, a council spokesperson urged tenants to remain alert to fire hazards during the heat.
"We ask our tenants to be vigilant of any potential fire risks during this exceptionally hot, dry weather."
The decision coincides with a yellow heat health warning for the East of England, in force from 9am on Tuesday 14 July until 9pm on Friday 17 July. Conditions have prompted a tightening of on-site activities at allotments to lower the likelihood of accidental fires and protect nearby homes and green spaces.
What is and isn’t allowed on Ipswich allotments
The council’s restriction is specific to open flames and heat sources commonly used on plots. The position is as follows:
| Permitted | Prohibited |
|---|---|
| General cultivation and routine plot maintenance | Bonfires on allotment plots |
| Use of watering cans, buckets and water from water butts | Barbecues on allotment plots |
In parallel, Anglian Water has implemented a hosepipe ban across its region, which the council has reminded tenants to follow. This means hosepipes cannot be used to water allotment plots. The water company’s restriction also applies to activities such as washing vehicles, cleaning outdoor surfaces and filling pools. Non-compliance could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
Water use under the hosepipe ban
- Allowed: Watering with cans and buckets; using stored rainwater from water butts.
- Not allowed: Hosepipes for watering plots; washing vehicles; cleaning outdoor areas; filling pools.
The council has underlined that the aim is to strike a balance between keeping crops alive and safeguarding the wider community from fire risks during the driest period. Plot holders are encouraged to plan watering at cooler times of day to reduce evaporation losses and to manage stored water carefully.
Why the restrictions are in place
Sustained heat and a lack of rainfall have left vegetation tinder-dry, heightening the chance that sparks or embers could spread. The council’s ban on bonfires and barbecues is a precaution to prevent small incidents from escalating. Allotment settings often include sheds, fencing, mulch and dry plant material that can ignite quickly in current conditions.
With temperatures high and humidity low, emergency services typically see a rise in callouts to grass and scrub fires. While the borough has not provided incident figures alongside this announcement, the measures align with regional alerts designed to reduce avoidable fire risks and relieve pressure on responders.
What allotment holders should do now
Tenants across Ipswich should factor the temporary rules into their day-to-day plot routines. Practical steps include reviewing storage of combustible materials, ensuring water butts are secure and accessible for manual watering, and postponing any planned clearance burns until after 30 September. Anyone visiting allotments is asked to be mindful of the surroundings and to report any hazards they notice.
The council has not indicated any exemptions to the current ban. Further updates are expected as conditions evolve and as the heat warning period ends. In the meantime, residents are reminded that adherence to both the fire restriction and the hosepipe rules is essential to protect allotments and neighbouring areas during this prolonged dry spell.
