Council Issues BBQ warning after fire destroys emergency phone line at Cornish beach

Cornwall Council has issued fresh guidance for beachgoers after an emergency phone line at a Cornish beach was destroyed by fire.  The fire is believed to have been caused accidentally after a discarded BBQ was placed in a bin.

Residents and visitors are being asked to make sure BBQs are fully cooled before throwing them away following the incident at Perranuthnoe Beach, known locally as Perran Sands, near Penzance.

The fire destroyed the bin, various signs and a phone used by members of the public and RNLI lifeguards during emergencies. The phone line, which was installed due to poor mobile phone signal at the beach, will cost thousands of pounds to replace.

Disposable BBQs take several hours to cool down and should not be moved or put in a bin until they are fully extinguished, using water or sand.

If you are planning to have a BBQ in a public place, make sure you’re allowed to do so at that location and consider how the smoke will affect those around you.

Keep safe and follow these beach BBQ safety tips from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.

• Put the BBQ on a stand or non-flammable flat surface away from anything that can catch fire
• Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your BBQ
• Don’t use a BBQ indoors or in a tent
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
• Never leave a BBQ unattended
• Keep children, pets and beach games away from the cooking area
• Do not dispose of the BBQ until completely extinguished and cold, using water or sand
• Never bury a BBQ in the sand. Hot metal grill plates, embers and hot sand can cause serious injury

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful beaches but please be responsible. If you want to have a BBQ, check the rules for wherever you are and don’t put it in the bin unless it is completely extinguished.”

Councillor Martyn Alvey, the portfolio holder responsible for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Incidents involving BBQs and outdoor fires can quickly spread and become out of control.

“Every year Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is called to incidents that could have easily been prevented.

“Please be careful and do not put yourself or others at risk.”