diff --git a/doc/python_api/examples/bmesh.ops.1.py b/doc/python_api/examples/bmesh.ops.1.py
index 2eefb63a23d..abce087ceb3 100644
--- a/doc/python_api/examples/bmesh.ops.1.py
+++ b/doc/python_api/examples/bmesh.ops.1.py
@@ -95,6 +95,8 @@ bmesh.ops.rotate(
 # Finish up, write the bmesh into a new mesh
 me = bpy.data.meshes.new("Mesh")
 bm.to_mesh(me)
+bm.free()
+
 
 # Add the mesh to the scene
 scene = bpy.context.scene
diff --git a/release/scripts/templates/bmesh_simple.py b/release/scripts/templates/bmesh_simple.py
index 656febf4918..45e6b52d578 100644
--- a/release/scripts/templates/bmesh_simple.py
+++ b/release/scripts/templates/bmesh_simple.py
@@ -19,3 +19,4 @@ for v in bm.verts:
 
 # Finish up, write the bmesh back to the mesh
 bm.to_mesh(me)
+bm.free()  # free and prevent further access