Danger of disposable barbecues highlighted following fires in parks and open spaces in Buckinghamshire
A disposable barbecue alight. (Image supplied by Buckinghamshire Council)
The danger of disposable barbecues is being highlighted by Buckinghamshire Council following fires in parks and open spaces in Buckinghamshire.
According to Buckinghamshire Council residents in Aston Clinton have reported having to douse several disposable barbecues left burning on the grass by visitors in the local park over a weekend.
In the past few days the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has been called to blazes in woodland and open spaces across Buckinghamshire, from Cliveden and Farnham Common in the south to the Milton Keynes borders in the north. One incident involved a disposable barbecue in High Wycombe.
There is also concern for safety in the county’s parks, woodland and open spaces Country park rangers have even reported a fire in Thorney Park however barbecues, camp fires, and stoves are not allowed in Buckinghamshire country parks.
Residents are being urged not to light fires or use any device with a naked flame in woodland or open spaces and to dispose of cigarettes carefully.
Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure at Buckinghamshire Council, said: ‘We’re all feeling constrained by the lockdown restrictions, and even the most mild relaxation on travel and leisure risks a release not unlike a coiled spring! Witness what we’ve seen on the coastal beaches in the fine weather.
As we’re now able to enjoy the wonderful parks and open spaces we’re fortunate to have in Buckinghamshire, I urge that we remain vigilant about the risk of fire, especially as the weather has been so mild and dry.
It also goes without saying that people should also dispose of all their rubbish in the bins provided or better still, take it all home. That way we keep our countryside and open spaces as attractive as possible for everyone to enjoy.‘
A blaze in woodland. (Image supplied by Buckinghamshire Council)
Advice on fire safety when outdoors can be found on the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service website at https://bucksfire.gov.uk/safety-hub/general-info-for-outdoors/.
Residents are also being urged to follow The Countryside Code (as described below):
Respect other people
- Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors
- Park carefully so access to gateways and driveways are clear
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Follow paths but give way to others where it’s narrow
Protect the natural environment
- Leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home
- Don’t have BBQs or fires
- Keep dogs under effective control
- Dog poo – bag it and bin it
Enjoy the outdoors
- Plan ahead, check what facilities are open, be prepared
- Follow advice and local signs and obey social distancing measures
*Source of article : Press release from Buckinghamshire Council.
