People are being urged not to use disposable barbecues on open green spaces due to an 'extremely high' fire risk amid the current heatwave. Following last weekend's fire on the Downs, which is thought to have been caused by an unattended barbecue, the council has asked people to have a picnic instead.
The message has come as the Met Office issued an amber heat warning lasting from today until Sunday, as the hot weather has led to a higher risk of fires because the grass is dry. A number of blazes have been started in Bristol in the last week, and the fire service has warned that barbecues create a "significant fire risk" on grass.
And a Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “Last weekend, Avon Fire and Rescue Service were called to put out a fire on the Downs. We would like to thank them for their quick action and response which prevented any further escalation of this incident, as well as their continued commitment to deal with the increase in fires connected to the current hot weather and dry conditions.
Read more: Firefighters called after 'disposable barbecue' sparks grass blaze on the Downs
"Everyone using parks and green spaces at this time of year must understand that the risk of grassland fires is extremely high when the weather is hot, therefore we advise against using BBQs in these conditions. Not only can BBQs cause grass fires when the ground is very hot and dry, but they are also not environmentally friendly. We encourage people to consider instead taking a picnic, or pre-cooked food to their local park instead."
Barbecues are already banned on certain parts of the Downs around Ladies Mile, as well as on Troopers Hill and some sections of Brandon Hill. Bristol City Council has rules about how barbecues should be used in parks and green spaces, and breaking them could leave you with a fine of up to £500.
Barbecues must be shop bought, not home-made, and should be placed on the ground rather than on park furniture. They need to be on legs, so the grass isn't burnt, and should be watched when alight and checked to see if they are cold before they are put in a rubbish bin.
Recently, high street retailer Marks & Spencer announced that it would no longer sell disposable barbecues in any of its stores across the UK because of the "unusually hot and dry" weather the country is experiencing. And the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta organisers have banned barbecues and said there will be no fireworks displays after the Thursday and Saturday night glows due to dry conditions at Ashton Court Estate.
And the council spokesperson added: “If you are visiting a park or green space, please dispose of your rubbish properly. This isn’t just to keep sites clean for parks users and wildlife, but also putting rubbish in bins provided reduces the risk of fires too. Glass, in particular, if left on the grass in the heat can catch alight and spread quickly. If bins are full, please take your rubbish home with you.
“Bylaws are in place across Bristol to stop open fires in our parks and green spaces, and BBQs are only permitted in specific areas of the city. There is information onsite and on our website to locate this. It is extremely important, especially as we look ahead to another very hot week, that everyone follows this guidance to avoid grassland fires which can pose a significant risk to people, property and our natural environment."
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