Barbecue fire in Cassiobury Park revives calls for ban

On Sunday, August 28 at around 2.20pm Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a small area of grass on fire in the park.

A spokesperson said: “One fire engine from Watford fire station was sent to the scene, where the crew found a small area of burnt grass and a used disposable barbeque.

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“The fire was already out when firefighters arrived, so the crew damped down the surrounding area to make sure it didn’t restart.”

Crew were called this afternoon to a fire in the open in Cassiobury Park. Although the sun may not be out everywhere is still extremely dry and grass fires like this are easily started! Please be careful when using disposable BBQ’s as this fire could have been prevented! pic.twitter.com/GetAfCvoYx

— Watford Fire Station (@FireWatford) August 28, 2022

Watford Fire Station tweeted: “Although the sun may not be out everywhere is still extremely dry and grass fires like this are easily started!

“Please be careful when using disposable BBQs as this fire could have been prevented!”

The post had a response from Watford Mayor Peter Taylor stating that BBQs are not allowed in Watford’s parks.

Another person shared a link to a government petition that is calling for a complete ban on the sale and use of disposable BBQs in the UK.

This exactly why we need a ban

Add your voice 💚🙏https://t.co/rbReVAuhaP

— Ban Disposable BBQ’s♻️ 🚑🌱🔥 (@BanDisposablBBQ) August 28, 2022

The incident comes after emergency crews have spent weeks battling blazes across Hertfordshire after the UK experienced heatwaves.

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