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13 April 2010, 12:58 | Updated: 13 April 2010, 13:05
Firefighters are reminding people of the potential hazards of outdoor cooking following a fire at West Wittering beach on Sunday (April 11).
Fire Crews from East Wittering and Chichester were called to East Head Spit, a protected National Trust site, when a fire started among gorse and grass following a family BBQ.
“This was the first warm, sunny weekend of the year. So it was natural people should want to get outside and enjoy it. But this incident comes as a timely reminder to take a few simple safety precautions if you’re barbecuing or cooking outdoors,” said Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer, West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service, “Thankfully, on this occasion the fire was extinguished before it caused any serious damage. But it could easily have spread. There are some very basic things you can do to minimise any potential fire risk.”
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The concern is that as the warm dry weather continues the risk of fires in open areas amongst shrubs, grass and hedgerows can increase.”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s barbecue basics are:
For a full guide to safe barbecuing, including the use of gas BBQs log onto www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire or call the Community Fire Safety Team on 01243 752451.