Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is asking the public to think twice about using disposable barbecues this holiday following last year’s massive blaze in South Hams.

Wayne Rawlins, area manager for risk at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, said: “Every year we see so many preventable fires caused by disposable barbecues. They are a not only a fire risk when they’re being used, but also pose a risk when being disposed of, causing bin fires, and further damage to the environment to vegetation that has caught alight. They’re not really disposable at all.

“Last spring we attended an incident in Kingswear, Devon, caused by a disposable barbecue. The owner had taken many sensible precautions but hadn’t considered the impact of the wind blowing the barbecue flame on to dry grass. Unfortunately it quickly got out of control and our crews fought the fire for three days.

“The safest place for a barbecue is at home – as long as you follow sensible precautions. All fire is a risk.”

The risk of wildfires peaks in spring. This is when the flammability of vegetation is at its highest, with the most dead leaf and woody matter available to burn.

Wildfires take resources away from other emergencies. One of the most resource-intensive fires attended by the fire service (Woodbury Common in April 2017) was attended by more than 200 firefighters and had 30 fire engines (approximately a quarter of the entire fleet) on scene at the same time to fight the fire.

If you cannot avoid using a disposable barbecue, you should:

Think carefully about your surroundings. Is it legal for you to have a barbecue where you are? Are you away from anything that could catch fire, such as trees, dry grass, bushes and fences?

Is the surface you’re putting the barbecue on safe? Disposable barbecues need to be placed on something flat which won’t catch alight e.g. stone/paving slabs. The bottom of disposable barbecues gets very hot and can easily burn what’s underneath.

Always consider the wind. A gust of wind is all it takes to spread a spark or flame from a disposable barbecue.

Stay with your barbecue at all times. Make sure you have a large bottle or bucket of water or sand nearby at all times, to control the fire or to put it out when you are finished.

Dispose of your barbecue safely and thoughtfully. Coals and barbecue containers can stay hot for hours after you’ve finished cooking. Do not move a barbecue until it has cooled down and never throw it in a bin you’re sure that it is completely cold. Even a small amount of warmth can start a bin fire and cause significant damage.

Never put burnt out barbecues or coals in your vehicle. They continue to emit poisonous carbon monoxide after they have burnt.