Disposable barbeques 'significant' cause of fires

Disposable barbeques have become a "significant issue" for firefighters, an officer has said.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue was called out to 33 incidents related to barbecues last year.

Dan Moss, an area manager with the service, said fires could start when the single-use trays were used in the wrong setting or not discarded properly.

"We recognise they're there to be used and we want people to have fun in the sun, but what we're asking is for people to be really vigilant," he added.

Mr Moss urged people to use the barbecues in dedicated areas with hard-standing.

"Make sure there's no dry areas around you, certainly long grass or wooded areas," he said.

As the weather gets warmer, the fire service is urging people to take greater care when discarding waste and smoking materials.

Barbecues should be disposed of "properly" in a way that ensured there would not be a fire, Mr Moss said.

"We want people to enjoy summer, but there's lots of issues that then come with that," he added. "Certainly with the dry spells that we're having."

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