Firefighters Urge Skegness Beachgoers to Avoid Disposable Barbecues After Major Blaze
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue say dry conditions mean even small flames can cause huge damage to rare wildlife
Firefighters are urging people to steer clear of disposable barbecues on Skegness beach after a large fire scorched more than two acres of coastline.
The blaze is believed to have started with firelighters or a disposable barbecue before spreading quickly.
Dave Lynch from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue says the risks are simply too high.
He told us: “The evidence of the Skegness fire now is clear for everyone to see—started by what appears to be firelighters or a disposable barbecue that have then spread very, very quickly."
"Now, the wind direction on that particular day was such that it didn't affect any residential areas or businesses, but there's every potential for that to happen.”
Lynch says the message this summer is simple:
“Avoid using it completely. I think we've certainly tried to provide evidence around how we can use these things safely. I think at the moment our message is quite clear that we just want people to avoid doing it."
"Go out there and enjoy yourselves, but just avoid doing these things at this moment in time because it's so dangerous.”
He added: “It's periodic. Obviously we get it every season and it's something we plan and prepare for, but the scale this particular time, certainly with the weather with the way it's been, everything is completely dry.”
The fire service says the area is home to rare wildlife and is urging everyone to take extra care until conditions improve.