How Fire Bans Affect Your Auspit: A Safe Summer Cooking Guide

It is the peak of BBQ season, the fire danger signs are up, and your Auspit is itching to get back in action. But with summer in full swing, fire bans across parts of Australia can make it hard to know when and how you can cook with fire safely and legally.

The good news is, you do not have to pack the spit away. With a few smart adjustments and the right gear, you can still enjoy slow-roasted meat over coals while respecting local fire restrictions.

Here is how to adapt your Auspit setup for fire ban conditions, stay compliant, and keep your cook-up on track this summer.

Know The Fire Ban Basics In Your Area

Fire bans vary from state to state and even region to region. They also change based on weather, wind, and heat levels. Before lighting up, check with your state fire authority such as CFA, RFS, or DFES, your local council or national park regulations, and campsite or caravan park rules.

In many cases, total fire bans mean no solid fuel cooking at all, including charcoal. However, on days that are not classified as total fire bans but still carry high fire danger ratings, you can often still cook if your setup meets certain safety conditions.

This is where the right gear makes a difference.

Switch To A Charcoal Tray For More Controlled Heat

One of the easiest ways to keep using your Auspit during summer is to switch to a charcoal tray instead of an open fire pit.

Charcoal trays contain your coals safely in a steel pan that lifts them off the ground. This means less radiant heat hitting the soil or grass and easier cleanup. It also gives you better control over how much fuel you are using, which makes it safer in dry conditions.

Gear That Makes Summer Spit Roasting Safer

Here are a few accessories we recommend for fire-conscious cooks this summer.

Wind Shields

Wind can blow embers around and quickly turn a controlled fire into a risky situation. A metal wind shield helps block gusts and keeps your heat concentrated directly under the spit.

Heat-Resistant Gloves

Safer cooking starts with the right gear. Heavy-duty gloves help you adjust the spit or lift the tray without burns or drops.

Basket Cage

If you are cooking smaller items like wings, vegetables, or seafood and want to avoid flare-ups, the basket cage locks food in place so you can raise it higher above the heat and avoid direct flames.

Drip Tray

Place a drip tray underneath your roast to prevent flare-ups, contain fat, and make your clean-up easier. This is especially helpful when fire conditions are borderline.

Stainless Steel Carving Shovel

Having the right tools on hand means you are less likely to scramble, overheat, or fumble mid-cook. The carving shovel  (head over to BBQ Spit Rotisseries view here) gives you control and precision when it is time to serve.

Be Prepared For Changing Rules

If you are heading out camping or into remote areas this summer, always have a backup plan. Restrictions can change overnight, especially during heatwaves or dry spells.

Smart steps include packing a portable stove as backup, bringing pre-cooked sides in case fire bans hit mid-trip, saving the big roasts for cooler days and sticking to faster cooks like butterflied chicken or prawns when risk is higher, and always carrying water or a fire extinguisher near your cooking setup.

Even with tighter fire restrictions, there are usually still ways to cook outdoors. You just need the gear and mindset to adapt.

Fire Cooking Without The Risk

The Auspit was built for flexibility, and summer is no exception. With the right equipment and a bit of planning, you can keep cooking over coals even as the temperatures rise.

Stay aware, stay adaptable, and enjoy your fire cooking without the stress this season.