Campaigners are urging the public to avoid using disposable barbecues to reduce fire risks and protect the environment.

Litter Free Dorset is appealing to the public to opt for a picnic instead of using disposable barbecues due to their fire and environmental risk. 

A spokesperson for the community campaign said: “As the sun graces our beautiful county, it’s time to find that picnic blanket and enjoy the great outdoors.

“But before you reach for that disposable barbecue, consider this: they’re not only a fire hazard but also contribute to single-use waste.”

The campaign has also highlighted that disposable barbecues are difficult to recycle due to their numerous components.

As previously reported, there have been a large number of calls to ban disposable barbecues with Litter Free Dorset launching a campaign urging supermarkets to remove them from their shelves.

The plea comes in run up to the summer season that has already seen a number of heath fires in Dorset. The month of May also marks the four year anniversary of the Wareham Forest wildfire, caused by disposable barbecues. It destroyed 220 hectares of forest which is the equivalent of 200 football pitches. 

Bans have already been imposed by Dorset Council across areas of the county, with fines of up to £100.

READ MORE: Wareham Forest wildfire two years on: visitors reminded not to bring BBQs

For more information on areas where the ban is in place visit https://explorer.geowessex.com/cside/nobbq