Disposable barbecue was likely cause of fire at Lickey Hills

A huge blaze broke out last Monday (July 18) as temperatures soared to record highs and 12 fire crews from across the region were called to the scene.

Smoke was seen billowing from the scene for miles, homes had to be evacuated briefly and firefighters spent the night tackling the flames which quickly spread from an initial 400 square metres to around 50,000 square metres.

A large fire broke out at Lickey Hills as temperatures soared on July 18

There had been much speculation the blaze may have been sparked by irresponsible barbecuing on the hills during the schorching temperatures and fire service bosses have now revealed they believe this was the case.

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Initial conclusions are that one of the fires on Lickey Hills was caused by a disposable barbecue which ignited the extremely dry ground, with hot ash possibly being blown some distance away and sparking the second fire.

"No remains of a barbecue were discovered, but obvious scorch marks on the ground were found, consistent with the size and shape of a disposable barbeque.

The devastation caused by a disposable barbecue at Lickey Hills. Pic - Ben Palfrey

"It had been removed by the owners, probably in an effort to act responsibly, but the ground around it would have remained hot enough to cause the fire after the picnickers had departed."

Fire chiefs have since issued a plea to people to take particular care when out and about in the countryside.

Station Commander Richie Young, who conducted the initial investigation into the Lickey Hills fires, said: “Given that we are continuing to deploy to fires in the open on a daily basis, we would remind people to exercise extreme caution and not to use disposable barbecues in the countryside at all, even if they take them away afterwards.

“We’re expecting more hot weather later in the week, and the ground remains tinder dry and extremely combustible, so please avoid having barbecues or campfires, discarding cigarettes or litter, or dropping glassware which can also ignite fires.

“Even if we get the occasional rainshower, don’t assume the ground will be damp and therefore safe. An inch or two below ground it will still be intensely hot.

“We’re grateful to the public for their support on this. Please take care and stay safe.”