Firefighters are reminding Islanders to be careful about lighting BBQs and other fires in wooded areas following a small fire in the open in the West Wight this morning (Easter Monday).
1 appliance from Freshwater was mobilised to the scene between Lane’s End and Hurst Point in Totland at just before 11:15.
A discarded bbq, which was still burning when firefighters arrived, has been blamed for causing the incident.
Rubbish was also found in the area – including alcohol – suggesting a group of people had been present.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is reminding Islanders to refrain from lighting fires of any kind in the countryside and to take any rubbish home.
A spokesperson from Freshwater Fire Station has said:
”In dry weather, with a bit of a breeze like today, this incident could easily have quickly spread destroying the countryside, wildlife, livestock and possibly even homes.
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These type of bbq should be banned, they are often used by irresponsible people in inappropriate areas.
Irresponsible people use them without lying down bricks first. Then they wonder why the grass is on fire or turned black. If some people had brains they would be deadly. I just don’t get people at times. We have a glimpse of sun and there they are with their stinking BBQ’s. Does no one actually cook at home anymore. I don’t see the point of half cooked food with a charcoal aroma.
Reminding Islanders, maybe it wasn’t and Islander who had the BBQ, sorry to be picky but I have a point.