Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue service have issued advice and safety warnings about holding barbeques in public areas after a large section of dunes was burnt on a Pembrokeshire beach over the Bank Holiday weekend.

On Sunday, shortly after 3 pm, fire crews from Pembroke Dock were called to a dune fire on Freshwater West beach, with approximately 100 square meters of dunes alight.

Firefighters brought the fire under control using beaters and left the scene just over an hour later.

The fire was initiated by a barbeque.

“This fire could have easily been avoided had the people who started the barbeque followed the advice (below),” said a spokesperson for the fire service.

“In this instance the barbeque was lit within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the resulting fire had the potential to damage delicate and protected ecosystems.

“People should always ensure that they are allowed to light a fire in the location that they want to have a barbeque,” they added.

When having a barbeque people should -

• Ensure they are able to have a barbeque in that location.

• Make sure that the barbeque site is flat and well away from buildings, fences, trees and shrubs.

• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of emergencies.

• Never leave a hot barbeque unattended.

• Extinguish the coals with water or sand once they have finished cooking.

• Ensure that the coals are cool before placing a disposable barbeque in a bin.

• Clear up after themselves. Inappropriately discarded disposable barbeques can trap and harm wildlife.

• Leave the site as you found it so that the next visitors can enjoy the same experience as you did on your arrival.