BANNING disposable barbecues in high fire risk areas in Dorset is set to be discussed by Dorset Council’s cabinet on April 6.

The proposals do not recommend a blanket ban on disposable barbecues in the whole county, only in areas which are known to be high fire risk, such as forests, grasslands and protected heathland.

Last year, there were 74 recorded fires that are thought to have been caused by irresponsible use of disposable barbecues, causing devastating damage to the inhabitants of heathlands and forests.

Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for environment, Cllr Ray Bryan said: “The use of disposable barbecues in high fire risk areas of Dorset cannot continue.

"The devastation of Wareham Forest last year was inexcusable and could have been avoided.

“We know that disposable barbecues are a real threat to our important forests and heathlands in Dorset. They also contribute to litter as, ironically, they are quite hard to dispose of because they stay hot for many hours.

“The recommendations in the paper to cabinet members give a good range of options for discussion. No decisions have been taken at this stage.”

The report to cabinet asks councillors to consider options, including – the adoption of a new council ‘disposable barbecue and campfires/wildfires’ policy, establishment of controlled gas or electric barbecue areas in high risk locations, enhanced education and communication and banning disposable barbecues in high risk areas.

Fire service wildlife lead Darren Langdown said: “Large wildfires can be very serious and quickly affect large areas of the countryside.

“The 2020 Wareham Forest fire saw over 200 firefighters from across Dorset & Wiltshire and from neighbouring services deal with over 220 hectares of forest alight.

"This is believed to have been caused by a disposable barbecue. The incident took over 10 days to bring under control and was subject to multiple reignitions due to the nature of the terrain and the weather conditions.”