BEACH, cliffside and woodland barbecues caused “a lot of fires” over the weekend as the fire service and residents criticise irresponsible visitors.

Several disposable barbecues were left along Bournemouth Beach following a scorching hot weekend and caused several fires, according to Westbourne Fire Station.

A station spokesperson said: “We have been attending a lot of fires over this weekend which have been left unattended on Bournemouth beaches, along with a lot of barbecues which are still hot being put in big bins.

Bournemouth Echo: Disposable barbecues left at Bournemouth beach over the weekend. Picture: Westbourne Fire StationDisposable barbecues left at Bournemouth beach over the weekend. Picture: Westbourne Fire Station

“Please make sure your fire is extinguished fully and your barbecue is still not hot or warm. If in doubt, please leave the barbecue by the side of the bin.”

Residents also reported several other incidents, including two tents pitched on Boscombe Overcliff with a campfire alongside.

Bournemouth Echo: Illegal campers and bonfire on Boscombe OvercliffIllegal campers and bonfire on Boscombe Overcliff

The resident asked BCP Council “where are your enforcement staff?” and added: “Two tents and blazing campfire on Boscombe Overcliff. It’s a nature reserve, not a campsite.”

Another resident reported illegal camping in Durley Chine, with two tents pitched up in the woodland near the beach with a portable barbecue on the grass next to them.

Bournemouth Echo: Illegal campers at Durley Chine with red portable barbecue nearbyIllegal campers at Durley Chine with red portable barbecue nearby

A Red wildfire warning is in place for today and Tuesday. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has communicated some safety tips as well as warnings to visitors in the area.

Advice is:

  • Don’t have barbecues or campfires on heath or in open spaces; the risk of a fire starting is too great
  • If you see a fire in the countryside, get to a safe place and call 999 to report it immediately
  • Don’t have a bonfire at home during these conditions
  • Barbecue coals and fire pits stay hot for hours, so douse them with water and don’t dispose of the remnants until you can be absolutely sure they are cold

Fire service group manager Graham Kewley said: “The exceptional weather that is forecast for the coming days means that we all need to take care when out and about. We want people to enjoy the sunshine, but we do urge everyone to think about what they’re doing and perhaps amend their plans to stay as safe as possible.”