A temporary Government ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been welcomed by New Forest District Council as firefighters continue to tackle a major heathland blaze.
The Government announced the restrictions on Friday, August 14, with disposable barbecues banned from being sold in shops or online amid hot, dry conditions and an increased wildfire risk.
The move comes as the emergency response to a New Forest fire, which started on Sunday, August 9, enters its seventh day. More than 100 hectares have been affected.
Councillor Jill Cleary, Leader of New Forest District Council, said: "I welcome the government’s decision to ban the sale of disposable barbecues, especially as it comes at a time when emergency services are continuing to respond to the major heathland fire in the New Forest.
"We have long recognised the risks posed by barbecues and open fires in the New Forest, which is why local restrictions are already in place with a Public Spaces Protection Order.
"The devastating heathland fire we have seen in the New Forest over the past week is a stark reminder of how quickly fires can spread when conditions are dry. While the current incident was not caused by a disposable barbecue, it demonstrates the scale of damage that can occur once a fire takes hold."
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A Public Spaces Protection Order has been in place across specified areas of the open Forest since 2023, prohibiting fires, barbecues, fire pits and outdoor cooking equipment.
The order was extended earlier this year and remains in place until June 2029.
It also prohibits people from placing, throwing or dropping items likely to cause a fire.
Enforcement is carried out by trained partners, including Forestry England, while the council continues to work with agencies to promote compliance.
New Forest District Council is also liaising with Hampshire County Council Trading Standards, which has powers to enforce the Government's sales ban.
Visitors are being urged not to light campfires, use barbecues or fire pits, or light bonfires during dry weather.
People have also been warned to take extreme care with cigarettes, avoid parking on dry grass and take litter home.
The council has urged people not to travel to the fire-affected area to watch the blaze, allowing emergency crews to continue their work safely.
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