Forbes backs voluntary barbecue guidelines to prevent wildfires
Guidelines on responsible barbecue retailing have been backed by Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes as the May bank holiday and peak wildfire season approach, writes Fiona Scott.
Voluntary guidelines set out by the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) are encouraging shops to educate customers on how to use and dispose of single-use barbecues, as well as to remove disposable barbecues from sale when an extreme heat event has been declared imminent.
Developed in partnership with manufacturers and fire and rescue services, the guidelines also call for retailers to stop selling disposable barbecues if local authorities provide a “reasonable, evidence-based” request to do so.
Last year Scotland saw 133 wildfires between March and June, equating to firefighters tackling an average of one wildfire every day.
Glenuig and Fort William’s Camisky Woods were amongst the areas that saw fires lasting multiple days.
Ms Forbes, who hosted a summit on wildfires last summer, said lessons needed to be learned from recent events.
“It may not feel like it after such a damp spring, but wildfire is becoming an ever more present danger,” she said.
“These guidelines are a positive contribution to helping mitigate the risk of wildfires which can be caused in multiple different ways.
“Retailers can take an active role in supporting community safety by responding to local authority requests to remove disposable barbecues from sale whenever there is an imminent period of extreme heat.
“Additionally, members of the public should make note of local guidance, only use disposable barbecues in appropriate areas, dispose of them safely, and avoid their use at times of prolonged and excessively dry weather when there is a higher wildfire risk.”
David Lonsdale, director of SRC, said: “Disposable barbecues provide a great way for Scots to enjoy the summer outdoors.
“However, it is essential that people realise that these must be used responsibly.
“They should only be used in safe areas, they must never be left unattended, the safety instructions must be followed, a bucket of water or sand should be to hand for emergency use, and the barbecue must be completely cool before disposal.”
Earlier this month, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deputy assistant chief officer Bruce Farquharson urged the public not to light fires outdoors, and to ensure barbecues and cigarettes are safely disposed of.