A fire that destroyed an emergency phone line at a beach near Penzance is believed to have been caused by a BBQ in a bin.

Residents and visitors are being asked to make sure BBQs are fully cooled before throwing them away following the incident at Perranuthnoe Beach, known locally as Perran Sands.

The fire destroyed the bin, various signs and a phone used by members of the public and RNLI lifeguards during emergencies. The phone line, which was installed due to poor mobile phone signal at the beach, will cost thousands of pounds to replace.

Disposable BBQs take several hours to cool down and should not be moved or put in a bin until they are fully extinguished, using water or sand.

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful beaches but please be responsible. If you want to have a BBQ, check the rules for wherever you are and don’t put it in the bin unless it is completely extinguished.”

Councillor Martyn Alvey, the portfolio holder responsible for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Incidents involving BBQs and outdoor fires can quickly spread and become out of control.

“Every year Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is called to incidents that could have easily been prevented. Please be careful and do not put yourself or others at risk.”  

Cornwall Council is reiterating to people that if they are planning to have a BBQ in a public place that they make sure you’re allowed to do so at that location and consider how the smoke will affect those around you.

Keep safe and follow these beach BBQ safety tips from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.