Wychavon residents are being urged not to bring barbecues onto council-owned land as dry weather raises the risk of a Salford Priors fire spreading quickly. Ian Edwards said the warning is meant to protect parks, open spaces and nearby communities while the countryside remains dry.
Edwards, the director of economy and environment, said: "Wychavon’s parks and open spaces are there for everyone to enjoy, but the current dry weather means we need people to take extra care." He added: "We’re asking residents not to bring barbecues onto council-owned land and to respect the signs already in place. This is a simple step that can help prevent fires, protect wildlife and keep nearby communities safe."
Wychavon parks and open spaces
Signs are already in place saying open fires are not permitted on council land. Edwards also said: "Even one spark or ember can spread quickly in these conditions, so we’re asking everyone to do their bit and help look after the places we all value,"
The warning comes after Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service continued to highlight the danger of countryside fires during prolonged dry conditions. Recent fires at Harvington, Radford and Pinvin showed how fast flames can move and how much damage they can cause.
Dry weather and fire risks
The practical risk is not limited to a lit barbecue. Hot ash, coals or disposable barbecues thrown away incorrectly can still start a fire, including in places that look short and well maintained. Disposable barbecues are singled out as especially risky if they are placed in litter bins before they have fully cooled.
Residents are also being asked to avoid leaving glass bottles and jars in open spaces, dispose of litter responsibly and make sure cigarettes and smoking materials are fully extinguished. The advice is being given as a precaution while the dry conditions continue, and the immediate step for anyone using Wychavon’s parks and open spaces is simple: leave barbecues at home and clear up anything that could ignite.
Smoke over Worcestershire
The wider fire risk has also been visible beyond Wychavon. Large drifts of smoke were seen and smelt over much of Worcestershire and Warwickshire last weekend after a large moorland fire in Ebbw Vale, Gwent. On Wednesday, August 12, Andy Burnham said after a Cobra meeting that the Government is considering a ban of disposable barbeques.
That leaves the local warning in a practical place: councils are asking for restraint now, and the safest assumption for anyone heading into Wychavon’s parks and open spaces is that anything hot, smouldering or glass-based needs to be kept out of the grass, litter bins and dry ground.
