BBQ Safety Alert After Fire Destroys Emergency Phone Line at Cornish Beach

A fire, believed to have been caused by a disposable BBQ, has destroyed an emergency phone line at Perranuthnoe Beach, near Penzance. The blaze, which occurred at the popular location known locally as Perran Sands, has raised serious safety concerns among local authorities.

Incident Details

The fire not only destroyed the bin where the BBQ was discarded but also various signs and an essential emergency phone used by the public and RNLI lifeguards. The phone line, crucial due to the poor mobile signal in the area, will cost thousands of pounds to replace.

Cornwall Council has urged residents and visitors to ensure that BBQs are fully cooled before disposal. Disposable BBQs can take several hours to cool down and should only be extinguished using water or sand before being safely discarded.

BBQ Safety Tips

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has issued the following safety guidelines for BBQs at public places:

• Place the BBQ on a stand or non-flammable flat surface, away from anything flammable.
• Avoid using petrol or paraffin to start or revive your BBQ.
• Never use a BBQ indoors or in a tent.
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.
• Never leave a BBQ unattended.
• Keep children, pets, and beach games away from the cooking area.
• Do not dispose of the BBQ until it is completely extinguished and cold, using water or sand.
• Never bury a BBQ in the sand, as hot metal grill plates, embers, and hot sand can cause serious injury.

Statements from Local Councillors

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, emphasised the importance of responsible behaviour: “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful beaches but please be responsible. If you want to have a BBQ, check the rules for wherever you are and don’t put it in the bin unless it is completely extinguished.”

Councillor Martyn Alvey, who oversees Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, highlighted the risks associated with BBQs and outdoor fires: “Incidents involving BBQs and outdoor fires can quickly spread and become out of control. Every year Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is called to incidents that could have easily been prevented. Please be careful and do not put yourself or others at risk.”

Conclusion

The recent fire at Perranuthnoe Beach serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with disposable BBQs. By following the safety guidelines and ensuring BBQs are properly extinguished, visitors can help prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of everyone enjoying Cornwall’s beautiful beaches.