FIREFIGHTERS have warned against using barbecues in the countryside after they were called to a blaze on North Hill, Minehead, yesterday afternoon which destroyed an area of heathland.

Two teams were sent from Minehead to deal with the fire as it spread into the branches of fallen trees – and discovered a disposable barbecue on the scene.

A fire service spokesman said: “Barbecues on heathland are really bad news and can lead to large fires requiring many resources. Please do not use them on open land or near any vegetation.

“This would be frustrating at the best of times but during the current social distancing measures, puts crews at additional risk for a completely avoidable incident.”