Fire at famous Cornish beach is a reminder of BBQ warning

On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 12th, local firefighters were called to a popular Cornish beach after a fire broke out there.

It’s thought that two visitors lit a BBQ or camp fire on the cliffs above, which sparked a fire that quickly spread.

Here’s what happened.

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Fire on the Lizard

Kynance Cove is one of the most popular beauty spots in Cornwall – and two visitors, either careless or unaware of the possible dangers portable BBQs or camp fires can have – lit one on Wednesday afternoon.

The fire quickly spread above the cliffs.

A representative from the fire department said:

“Mullion Community Fire Station & Helston Community Fire Station are currently dealing with a small fire in the open at Kynance Cove.

“It’s believe that a small camp fire or BBQ was used on the cliffs above the cove, resulting in a grassland fire. Please remember to only use barbecue and camp fires in safe designated areas.”

Was the fire contained?

Luckily, the fire didn’t cause any injury and it’s not thought to have caused too much damage. Some of the clifftops were scorched, and it might take them a while to renew.

However, with summer only just beginning, it’s certainly a stark reminder of the importance of being fire-safe during the summer time.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service‘s main plea is to ensure that people only use BBQs in designated areas.

However, there are some recommendations for BBQ safety in the UK:

Never use a barbecue indoors, in tents, under awnings, or inside caravans.
Position the barbecue away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs, and garden waste.
Dispose of ashes on bare garden soil, not in dustbins or wheelie bins, as hot ashes can cause fires.
In countryside or public park areas, use disposable barbecues only in designated areas and follow safety guidelines.
Ensure the barbecue has cooled completely before moving it.
Start or revive your barbecue using only recognized lighters or starter fuels.
Have a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose ready in case of emergencies.
Use enough charcoal to cover the barbecue base, typically around 5 cm (2 inches).

You can find the full article with all recommendations here.

So, while the Kynance Cove fire was fortunately contained, it is a stark reminder of the importance of general fire safety involving BBQs and camp fires as we move into the summer months.