Barbecue warning after 'preventable' beach fire

Firefighters have issued further warnings about disposable barbecues after a stretch of coastline was badly damaged in a blaze that was "started deliberately".

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service made the plea after 2.7 acres (11,000 sq m) of land at Skegness was left badly scorched on 17 July.

David Lynch, area manager for community prevention and protection, said: "We strongly advise against the use of disposable BBQs outside of strictly designated areas, and this beach fire is another strong example of why."

Officers from Lincolnshire Police said the incident would not be treated as arson as there was no criminal intention to start the fire.

Businesses in the area described their relief after they watched the wind blow the fire away from their kiosks.

"There was a lot of smoke and the flames were just everywhere," said Luke Speed who was working at the Stack Street Food hut on Tower Esplanade.

"We were quite worried it was going to blow in this direction and cause issues over here, but it didn't. It looked quite serious."

John Nuttall, whose family has been operating donkey rides in the seaside town for more than 100 years, had left the beach for the day when the fire started.

"Even from a mile away at home we could see the smoke in the air. There were fire engines everywhere," he said.

"After the hot weather we've been having it's so easy for fires to go up but luckily it blew out towards the sea."

Mandy Whitehead often walks her dog in Skegness and said she was shocked by what had happened.

She said: "It's terrible. The smell and all the greenery and wildlife which might have been affected.

"It's a bit daft if people are having barbecues when it's so dry."

Tracey Firbank was visiting the beach on a day trip and described the scene as "awful".

"I just brought the dog on the beach and could smell the fire. It's awful. There's no need for it," she added.

East Lindsey District Council said it would be working to develop a nature recovery programme for the area which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The authority also said it had issued guidelines for the use of barbecues including a reminder for people to make sure all fires are put out before they leave.

Councillor Martin Foster, the portfolio holder for operational services, said: "I would like to remind visitors of the impact that lighting fires or failing to fully extinguish disposable barbecues can have, particularly on local wildlife.

"I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick response and for working to bring the blaze under control as quickly as possible."

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had faced "non-stop demand" after the recent hot, dry weather conditions had increased the risks of wildfires.

Lynch added: "Already this summer we have seen hundreds of acres of nature destroyed by fires from people incorrectly disposing of cigarettes, lighting BBQs, burning waste, and littering, and all these causes are entirely preventable.

"We obviously want people to enjoy the outdoors this summer, but please do help us keep our communities safer and keep fire safety in mind."

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices