Help prevent wildfires

Wildfires in Devon – Spring 2020 – YouTube

Disposable BBQs are dangerous and are very difficult to dispose of safely. Please help protect our wildlife and amazing natural environment when you visit; avoid using disposable BBQs and choose a safer alternative. A gust of wind took a BBQ out of control last summer and caused a devastating wildfire in Kingswear, Devon.

When using a portable BBQ, you should:

  1. Think carefully about your surroundings. Is it legal for you to have a BBQ where you are? Is the area ventilated? Are you away from anything that could catch fire, such as trees, dry grass, bushes and fences?
  2. Is the surface you’re putting the BBQ on safe? Disposable BBQs need to be placed on something flat which won’t catch alight e.g. stone/paving slabs.
  3. Always consider the wind. A gust of wind took a BBQ out of control last summer and caused a devastating wildfire in Kingswear, Devon.
  4. Stay with your BBQ 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.
  5. Dispose of your BBQ safely and thoughtfully. Coals and BBQ containers can stay hot for hours after you’ve finished cooking. Do not move a BBQ 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.
  6. Never put burnt out BBQs or charcoal in your home or vehicle. It emits poisonous carbon monoxide.

Wherever you go this summer please look after our amazing environment and follow the Countryside Code – #RespectProtectEnjoy.

  • Respect everyone you meet
  • Protect the environment
  • Enjoy the outdoors

Landscape photo of Devon with the text 'Devon is beautiful, let's keep it that way. Your rubbish, your responsibility. Find a bin or take it home. cleandevon.org'.

Please follow the latest government coronavirus advice in accessing green space safely.