This is what can happen when people fail to extinguish a barbecue before putting it in the bin.
A refuse lorry had to be emptied onto the road over the Easter bank holiday weekend after a barbecue started a fire.
Don’t bin hot BBQs or coals
And now, ahead of the early May bank holiday, the Isle of Wight Council is reminding residents and visitors about the dangers of putting hot disposable barbecues and used coals in with their rubbish.
Binning hot barbecues puts refuse workers and the general public at risk, while putting more pressure on emergency services.
A number of fires
Amey, the council’s waste contractor, has seen a number of dangerous incidents involving fires in collection vehicles and at its recycling centre on Forest Road.
The sources of these fires are discarded uncooled barbecues, batteries and aerosols.
Dix: These fires can often have enormous consequences
Natasha Dix, the council’s strategic manager for waste and environment, said,
“It’s essential that people ensure barbecues are extinguished before disposing of these to prevent fire.
“These fires can often have enormous consequences, damaging collection vehicles, and risking the lives of our refuse workers.”
To avoid accidental fires, drench ashes with water or let them cool completely for at least 48 hours.
Never put hot ash or part-burned materials from domestic or garden fires or barbecues or put used portable barbecues in the bin before they are completely cooled.
Early May bank holiday collections
The household waste and recycling collection will continue as normal over the bank holiday weekend, with collections as usual on Monday 2 May.
The bulky waste and free re-use collection service is still available over this period also.
Book your slot
The Household Waste and Recycling Centres at Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh will also be operating normal hours but you must book your visit to the HWRCS online beforehand.
You can book your visit here. Please do not arrive before your booking as you will be turned away and asked to return at your allotted time.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
