FIRE chiefs are urging people not to light barbecues as Hampshire struggles to cope with the latest heatwave.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) has released images of the damage caused by a disposable barbecue at Marchwood at the weekend.
Barbecues and campfires have been banned in the neighbouring New Forest in a bid to reduce the risk of wildfires destroying large areas of heathland.
As reported in the Daily Echo the National Trust, which owns several commons in the north of the Forest, is even urging people not to smoke on its land.
Posting on social media in the wake of the Marchwood incident HIWFRS said: "Look at the damage a disposable barbecue can do.
"Our crews were called to this fire on Saturday and worked hard in hot and challenging conditions to put it out.
"Temperatures will rise again this week and the ground is already so dry. Please pack a picnic, not a barbecue."
A HIWRS service spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "We were called to an area of scrubland off Bury Road, Marchwood, at around 6.45pm on Saturday.
"Crews from Hightown and Redbridge attended and found grass and undergrowth well-alight. Access was difficult and the wind was causing the fire to spread.
Firefighters used beaters and one jet to put it out and left the scene shortly after 9.15pm.
"Crews returned the next morning for a reinspection and found a nearby tree trunk had reignited. Buckets of water and knapsacks were used to put the fire out."
Meanwhile, the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) is celebrating the news that more major retailers are refusing to sell disposable barbecues.
An NPA spokesperson said: "We're relieved that Marks and Spencer is now supporting our campaign to help reduce wildfires and cut waste.
"M&S said it is stopping selling disposable barbecues across the whole of the UK to protect open spaces and reduce the risks of wildfires during the heatwave.
"M&S had already stopped selling disposable barbecues near national parks and in London but given the unusually hot and dry conditions, they said they were 'taking the precautionary step of removing them from sale across the UK.'
"Co-op took the lead in 2021 when they stopped selling them in and around National Parks UK.
"In spring this year Aldi and Waitrose took them off sale nationwide to reduce wildfires and waste from the single-use products.
In a plea to the public, the spokesperson added: "Please demand that the few remaining retailers help protect the countryside and take them off the shelves."
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