Don't use disposable BBQs on the Downs, say Bristol Greens
Councillor Paula O'Rourke says there's an increasing risk of wildfires
There's calls for people to stop using disposable barbecues on the Downs in Bristol, because of the increasing risk of wildfires.
Clifton Down Green councillor Paula O'Rourke says nearby businesses should also stop selling them, before a serious fire breaks out and ruins the area.
Last summer during especially hot, dry conditions in August the Avon Fire and Rescue Service was needed to put out a fire that had spread from a barbecue to surrounding grass on The Downs and just a few days later a bigger blaze broke out in Stoke Park by the M32, again caused by a barbecue.
WATCH: We went up to the Downs on a sunny evening to see what people think
Councillor O'Rourke says she's concerned there could soon be an even more serious incident.
She said: “As the recent chair of the Downs Committee I am concerned that we will have a repeat of last year, when a fire took hold of an area and left unsightly scorched earth.
"I have already had reports of very many scorched patches from disposable BBQs this year and been told that passers-by have had to stamp out burning embers."
The Downs is a hugely popular spot for barbecuing.
On any given summer's night you will find dozens of groups sat on the grass in the sun, often with drinks or a barbecue, or both.
“We want people to use the Downs for leisure, as that is one of the main purposes of the common land, but as common land we must all respect that it is there for everyone to use and not spoil it.
"In these long dry periods, we need to be extra vigilant.
"If a small blaze were to get out of control it could put people’s lives at risk, as well as causing harm to animals and birds.”
“The Downs Committee aims to keep the Downs open and free and that includes not having lots of warning signs everywhere, so we rely on people's good judgement and common sense.
"Putting hot coals anywhere near tinder-dry grass is likely to lead to fires.”
We recently met her Green Party colleague Tom Hathway on the Downs on a summer evening.
He said: "The Downs is a unique, species rich place and summers are getting hotter, we're seeing more of these types of incidents.
"We're not saying don't barbecue on the Downs, it's relatively cheap to pick up a reusable barbecue and I wouldn't want to see people not able to barbecue at all on the Downs.
"We've even got designated spots with flag zones built into the floor on the Downs specifically to facilitate people barbecuing so, it's not about being the fun police, it's just about asking people to think twice before opting for the cheap and potentially destructive option."