Islanders are being reminded to take extra care extinguishing beach barbecues and that they are not permitted on grassland or forested areas.
This comes after multiple fires have occurred so far this year in Guernsey coastal litter bins from the hot embers of disposable barbeques. These bins consequently require replacement at public expense.
In Guernsey, barbeques are only permitted on the North and West coast beaches, excluding the Richmond end of Vazon. No fire is permitted on the nature trails, coastal grasses or cliffs. Open flames around dry vegetation can cause fires to escape and destroy valuable resources, habitats and homes.
In order for barbecues to be a safe and enjoyable experience for all, please follow the following safety standards:
- Only light barbeques on beaches, below the high tide mark, and keep a 4 metre distance from any surrounding dune or grassland vegetation.
- Only light the barbeque after 5pm and in a spot where smoke won’t disturb other people.
- It is advised to have a container on hand to collect seawater.
- To safely extinguish a barbeque, embers must be doused in water until they are cold.
- A good way to tell if the embers are cold enough is that the ash no longer hisses, there is no more smoke and the remnants are cold to the touch.
- The cold remnants must then be disposed of properly, either taken home or put carefully in a litter bin.
- Use water and sand to make sure the area around the barbecue isn’t hot and won’t hurt other beach users if they step on it.
Further information and permits for beach barbeque in Guernsey of more than 10 people can be found at here.
