Avoid disposable BBQs, Devon Fire & Rescue says

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is advising members of the public not to use disposable barbecues.

It comes after a flames from a barbecue ignited dry grass and caused a wildfire in Kingswear last year that took three days to put out.

Wildfires occur mainly in spring when there is a lot of dry, dead vegetation around.

Wayne Rawlins, area manager for risk at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said:

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

"They're not really disposable at all. The safest place for a BBQ is at home – as long as you follow sensible precautions.

"All fire is a risk."