Disposable BBQ is cause of Malvern Hills fire

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Tuesday, 3 July 2018 11:24

Hereford and Worcester Fire & Rescue Service (HWFRS) has confirmed that a discarded disposable barbeque was the most likely cause of the fire around Earnslaw Quarry on the Malvern Hills which started yesterday afternoon.

Approximately five acres of grassland were damaged and brought under control by and crews from Malvern, Worcester, Upton on Severn, Droitwich, Whitchurch, Ledbury, and Ross-on-Wye, using more than 10 fire engines, restricted access vehicles, and water carriers.

Two crews attended again from 5am today to continue dampening down areas around Beacon Road and the West of England car park. The public is urged to not set camp fires or to use barbeques in open spaces during this hot dry weather, which is set to continue.

The Malvern Hills' Trust advises that barbeques are not permitted on the hills due to the risk they pose for potentially starting wildfires. Disposable barbeques are particularly problematic as they can be windblown, and, if placed directly on the ground, cause damage to the important grassland vegetation underneath. The Trust also asks visitors not to release or light any Chinese or sky lanterns.

In addition to the fire on the Malvern Hills, HWFRS responded to two other grass fires yesterday – a total of 20 grass fires in the last two weeks.

"With the hot weather forecast for at least another week, we are asking the public to be vigilant to reduce the chance of a wildfire," said Duty Group Commander George Sherry. "We would also ask people to be extra cautious when lighting barbeques, campfires and bonfires."