Oldham Times readers react to banning disposable BBQs

The suggestion to ban barbecues comes as Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) battled numerous blazes during July, which destroyed wildlife habitats and risked draining resources during the heatwave with handfuls of firefighters and fire engines deployed to battle wildfires.

Disposable barbecues were to blame for at least one of the fires which broke out at some of Oldham's beauty spots, including Dovestone Reservoir. 

Oldham fire service battled a blaze only recently that had been caused by a disposable barbecue.

Firefighter Steve Broadhurst of Oldham fire service said that disposable barbecues are causing a lot of devastation. 

Mr Broadhurst said what was once a little metal foil tray barbecue has expanded in recent years to "jumbo size" which are now "three times bigger".

However, he said no matter the size, they can still be dangerous as all it takes is a gust of wind to spark a large wildfire.

Mr Broadhurst said: "What happens is, people go up there and think they'll put the barbecue on a rock or a stone where it will be safe, but then it's still too hot to carry back.

"They might be being safe while out there but it's when the barbecues are left unattended.

"A gust of wind then carries the embers - and once an ember is carried, next thing you know it's in a bush or on dry shrubs and grass and then it's on fire."

Disposable barbecues can be devastating for beauty spots as fires tear through woodlands and destroy habitats for wildlife.

Following the devestation the fires has brought to some of Oldham's moorlands recently, readers of The Oldham Times shared their thoughts on whether disposable barbecues should be outright banned for sale.

One commenter said he was in favour of banning "everything disposable" as too much goes to waste in landfill while another, Jane Blades, added: "Our eco-systems are fragile enough without (people) lighting BBQs."

Some even said Chinese-style lanterns and fireworks should be considered on the list.

Andrew Webb, meanwhile, said he saw a stack "piled high" at the front door of his local supermarket during the heatwave, adding: "I can't believe that any 'responsible' supermarket would stock them these days."

Steve Johnson said he would be in favour of a more permanent solution, such as a built-in fixture barbecue for residents to safely enjoy.

However, others such as Matt Milner felt as though only those responsible for causing the fires should face penalties, adding: "Or do we ban lighters, matches (and) fireworks?"

Claire Lou similarly said: "Well they shouldn't ban them completely because some people do use them responsibly.

"Not really fair on everyone else, is it."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) amongst other regional fire services that regularly battle moorland fires have been working together to raise awareness about the dangers.

Fire services are urging the public to "be 'moor' aware" and "pack a picnic, not a BBQ".