Swansea Council is urging the public to avoid using disposable barbecues while the latest heatwave continues.
Some recent wildfires in other parts of the country are thought to have been caused by the use of disposable BBQs.
Wales and many parts of the UK have now been declared in drought due to the prolonged hot weather and lack of rain
Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure is calling on residents and visitors to Swansea to use common sense and avoid using disposable bbqs while the ‘drought’ status of open land continues.
Cllr Stevens, who is also a local farmer in the city, stated that most fields, parks and farmland across Swansea and Gower are extremely dry and he has raised concern that the use of these types of throwaway barbecues pose a risk.
Cllr Stevens, said: “We know that disposable BBQs may have been the cause of some wildfires in other parts of the country. This is something we can avoid if we stop using them while these hot and dry conditions continue.”
The call follows similar messages by fire services around Wales who have advised against using them in parks and fields, encouraging people to leave bbqs at home and enjoy a picnic instead.
Cllr Stevens added: “We don’t want to prevent families enjoying what we have to offer in Swansea this summer. We are blessed with wonderful beaches and lots of parks for everyone to enjoy.
“The only thing we want to encourage, is not to use disposable BBQs in our parks, on farmland and other open spaces while we are in this very dry and hot period.”
