It's been quite sunny in Edinburgh this weekend, which can mean only one thing: the Meadows have been thronged with hordes of people firing up disposable barbecues again.
However, although it's nice to enjoy a lukewarm burger and some charred sausages in the sun, that enjoyment comes with a price - the barbecues are scorching the grass in one of Edinburgh's best parks.
Twitter user @john_auldtoon tweeted a picture (above) of what looks like one particularly large-scale cookout, where ten small tin foil barbecues had been placed side by side in a grid shape.
He said:
"One day of good weather and Sainsbury's disposable barbecues destroying The Meadows . Zero action as per usual by Edinburgh City Council"
Lighting barbecues on the grass is prohibited under the council's park management rules, which say:
"BBQs, Fire and Camping
"The following acts are prohibited: 6.1 Lighting barbecues outwith designated barbecue sites, where these are provided, or in areas or in a manner likely to burn or scorch the ground or cause danger or nuisance to other Park users or neighbouring residents."
The Meadows has designated barbecue areas on raised concrete areas, but they're not widely used as people prefer to sit on the grass.
Another problem comes when the fun is over and people want to go home. Instead of waiting for the disposable barbecue to cool down, picnickers often put the hot surface directly into a bin, causing fires that test the resources of the Scottish Fire and Rescue service throughout summer.
The fire service have provided the following guidance to people who insist on barbecuing on the Meadows:
* Make sure your barbecue site is flat and away from fences, trees and sheds.
* All BBQ’s should be raised from grass areas to avoid burning or scalding
* Keep a bucket of water or large bottle of water nearby, in case of emergencies.
* Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about five centimetres (two inches).
* Never use petrol or paraffin to start, or revive your barbecue – use only barbecue firelighters or starter fuel on cold coals.
* Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
* Do not leave the barbecue unattended.
* After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it.
* Hot ashes can melt a plastic wheelie bin and can cause a fire.
* Avoid alcohol if you are in charge of a barbeque.
* Use one of the two designated BBQ bins on the meadows (Middle Meadows Walk/Bruntsfield links)
Station Manager Jonathon Miller said: “Following the guidance provided will prevent resources from one of Scotland’s busiest stations being tied up at minor, easily prevented small fires on the Meadows.
“This can also delay our attendance at more serious, possibly life threatening, incidents and divert firefighters away from important community safety and training activities.
“We will be conducting routine joint visits with City of Edinburgh Council Park Rangers during the summer to offer advice on BBQ safety as well as offering free home fire safety visits to park users.”
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