Fire in Cassiobury Park prompts Council reminder of BBQ ban

🔥 Crews were called this afternoon to a fire in Cassiobury Park.

Although it may not be as sunny as previous weather, it is still extremely dry and grass fires like this are easily started!

Watford Borough Council want to remind people that BBQ’s are banned in the parks, so please don’t use them.

Many supermarkets have halted the sale of them due to the risk of wildfires.

They also thanked Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt help in extinguishing the blaze.

People who use barbecues in parks nearly always leave behind scorched patches of burned grass that take months to recover. After weeks of sunshine it increases the risk of fires getting out of control, a drought and hosepipe ban are in force.

• Don’t use disposable barbecues at all in public spaces, especially during prolonged hot weather
• Dispose of smoking materials such as cigarettes and matches safely
• Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire
• Explain to children the dangers of playing with and lighting fires

The council and Veolia is also calling on everyone who visits parks and green spaces to make sure they bag up their rubbish and dispose of it properly, even if that means bringing it home with them.

Environment spokesman Cllr Tim Williams said: “Abuse of our parks is never acceptable and there is no excuse for it. We are working closely with Veolia, Herts Police and Herts Fire Service on these issues. It is disappointing that these requests are necessary, but I am grateful to the vast majority of people who visit our parks and behave responsibly.”