Residents and visitors have been urged to take disposable barbecues home after one that had been thrown away set fire to a wheelie bin on Blyth beach.
South Blyth councillor Daniel Carr spoke out after the incident and also asked people not to bury barbecues in the sand for the protection of other beach-goers.
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service meanwhile has issued a statement asking people not to use disposable barbecues at all.
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Coun Carr said: "I have recently been made aware of an unfortunate incident that has prompted me to reach out to all beachgoers. It has come to my attention that some individuals have been improperly disposing of their disposable barbecues in our bins.
“Although I think the disposal of the barbecue was done with good intentions, this improper disposal has unfortunately caused a fire in the bin leading to unnecessary damage to council property as the plastic bin has melted.
"This not only poses a threat to the environment but also to the integrity of our bins, which are made of plastic. Myself, Northumberland County Council and Blyth Town Council request your cooperation in taking your disposable barbecues home with you. By doing so, we can maintain the cleanliness and safety of our beach and avoid any further damage to our bins.
"In addition, we would like to emphasise that burying portable or disposable barbecues in the sand creates potential hazards for future beachgoers. We kindly ask that you extinguish or cool your barbecue before taking them home with you or disposing of them in designated barbecue disposal bins.
"This simple act will greatly contribute to the preservation of the beach for everyone's enjoyment.
"While we understand that disposable barbecues are permitted on Blyth, Seaton Sluice, and Seahouses beaches, we kindly remind you to refrain from lighting fires or barbecues on the dunes. This ensures the safety of all beach visitors and helps to protect the fragile dune ecosystems.
"Let's come together to protect the beauty of our natural surroundings. If you are visiting our coastal region, please ensure you are being safe and respecting the area."
It comes after the fire service called on the public not to use disposable barbecues in the countryside due to a risk of wildfires, particularly after periods of dry weather.
A spokesman for the service said: "We would like to ask residents not to use disposable barbecues as they pose potential fire risks. Rubbish is often extremely flammable, and the heat from a barbecue can cause a fire once you've left.
"There are plenty of alternatives that would allow you to enjoy a day out in the sunny weather without posing a risk to others, such as bringing a picnic instead of a barbecue, which is a lot safer."
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