Visitors to forests and beauty spots on the Isle of Wight are being asked to bring a picnic not a BBQ, following a recent spate of fires.
Despite a ban on BBQs and campfires on Forestry England land, the organisation says it has found some discarded. In some cases it says they left smouldering, posing a major risk to the surrounding countryside.
Justin Rylands, Forestry England Ranger, said:
“At this time of year our forests are great places to spend time enjoying nature. But they are also at their driest and the risk of out-of-control wildfires are extremely high.
"Please help us protect these special places by leaving BBQs at home. Bring a picnic instead, it’s just not worth the risk.”
Emergency services have recently attended several fires on the Island including a large grass fire in Binstead, which destroyed an area the size of a rugby pitch, as Isle of Wight Radio previously reported.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager for the Isle of Wight, Jeff Walls, said:
“Lots of us are currently enjoying the warmer weather, however these conditions increase the risk of wildfires across the Isle of Wight. Our crews have already been busy this summer tackling fires involving large parts of our countryside, fires which could easily be avoided.
"Barbecues, campfires and inappropriately discarded rubbish can spark wildfires that spread rapidly, causing huge amounts of damage, so we all need to do our bit and protect our wildlife.”
There are several ways that those spending time in the countryside can help reduce the risk of a wildfire, Forestry England says:
• Only use BBQs in designated areas – all BBQs and campfires are banned on Forestry England land – and be sure not to leave these unattended and extinguish them properly after use.
• Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.
• Do not discard cigarettes in the countryside; dispose of smoking materials properly and make sure they are completely extinguished.
Anyone coming across a blaze in the countryside should dial 999 and give an exact location, if possible by using app, What3Words.
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