2 years on from a devastating wildfire at Wareham Forest in neighbouring Dorset, visitors to forests and beauty spots in the South – including here on the Isle of Wight – are being reminded to #BringAPicnicNotABBQ and help prevent a similar incident this year.
Started by discarded disposable BBQs, the fire at Wareham Forest burned for 3 weeks. It destroyed 220 hectares – an area the size of 350 football pitches – killing wildlife, destroying trees and scorching everything in its path. The landscape is still scarred and will take a decade to fully recover.
In recent weeks Forestry England’s teams have reported an increase in incidents involving campfires and BBQs. At Wareham Forest, the team have recently found several discarded disposable BBQs and campfires, some still smouldering – something that could happen here on the Isle of Wight.
Mark Warn, Wildlife Ranger for Forestry England, has said:
“Wareham Forest is still visibly scarred by the huge wildfire that engulfed it two years ago and it will take many years to fully recover. Despite this clear example of the damage fire can cause, we are still finding discarded BBQs and campfires. Please help us protect these special places by leaving BBQs at home. Bring a picnic instead, it’s just not worth the risk.”
To help reduce the risk of wildfires, disposable BBQs and fires of any kind are banned by Forestry England. Campaigns are also in place across the South Coast to encourage retailers not to sell disposable BBQs. Several major supermarkets including Waitrose and Aldi have already removed them from their shelves in a bid to reduce fire risks and single use plastic waste.
Station Manager Dean Hodges from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has said:
“Barbecues, campfires and bonfires can very easily spread out of control and drier, warmer weather increases the risk of wildfires, so it really is vital that people take extra care when visiting our beauty spots and green spaces. Fires in the open can cause significant damage to our woods, heaths and countryside.
“We all want to be able to enjoy being outdoors and a few simple steps can reduce the risk of fire. Always discard of cigarettes properly, put litter and glass bottles in a bin or take your rubbish home, and please pack a picnic, not a disposable barbecue.”
If you see a fire in the countryside, contact the fire service immediately on 999. Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water.
Remember, do not discard cigarettes or other smoking materials in the countryside. It is also important to clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.
Always take extra care if using a barbecue and only light fires or BBQs in designated areas. Never leave a campfire or BBQ unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them.
