Council issues warning over summer wildfires

A council has issued a warning to residents amid a series of summer wildfires.

Southampton City Council has urged people not to use disposable barbecues in parks, green spaces or beaches for the foreseeable future.

It is also warning that discarded glass and bottles can magnify sunlight and spark fires, and is urging smokers to dispose of cigarettes responsibly.

The warning comes after a blaze covering about 11 acres broke out at Weston Parade in Southampton on Monday, and follows continued wildfires across the UK.

Councillor John Savage, member for environment, said parks, open spaces and grassland in the city remained "exceptionally dry" and urged people to use good sense.

"A single disposable barbecue, cigarette end or piece of discarded glass can have devastating consequences for our parks, wildlife, neighbouring properties and the emergency services who respond," he said.

Residents are being asked to take litter home when bins are full, remove bottles and cans when leaving outdoor areas, and report fires or dangerous behaviour as soon as possible.

The council's message follows a warning from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service earlier in the week after a heathland fire at Blackwater near Camberley.

The service said the "number one cause" of recent wildfires was the careless extinguishing of cigarettes and barbecues.

The National Fire Chiefs Council said crews had been under "extreme pressure" nationally during the prolonged heatwave.