Barbecue and fire ban for country parks
The damage being caused by barbecues, the rubbish they are creating, and the risk they pose to playing children, has forced Warwickshire County Council to ban all barbecues and fires from its country parks from May 1.
Warwickshire Country Parks Service will be enforcing the ban from the beginning of May after a growth in the number of barbecue related incidents.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “We have seen a sharp increase in the number of barbecue and fire incidents in our country parks.
“The decision for the ban hasn’t been taken lightly and has been taken because of a number of issues, including the danger to children playing in the same area where barbecues are being used, the amounts of rubbish and debris that are generated by the use of barbecues and the damage caused to picnic tables, grassed areas and rubbish bins.”
Posters are being displayed and fliers are being distributed to advise visitors of this change. Picnickers will still be welcomed, but only if their food does not require cooking or heating.
David Vazquez, Warwickshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Risk Manager, said: "Everyone enjoys a good barbecue, but there are several reasons why people shouldn’t have them in country parks. The possibility of starting a grass fire in warmer weather is always there, regardless of how much experience you have of using barbecues. It only takes a stray spark or ember and peoples and animals lives can be put in danger.
"When in country parks lots of people tend to use the wooden tables as a base to put their barbecues on. The foil then burns through and the table is either left scorched or completely burnt out. In very hot weather the wood burns much quicker, therefore giving you and your family less time to get away.
"Please remember that there are a number of safety guidelines for using barbecues and they are there for your protection. for further information log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue"
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For more information contact Sally Silk on 01827 872660.
Note to editors: Photos of the damage being caused by barbecues are available by contacting Jack Linstead on 01926 476643.