A GARDEN centre will no longer sell disposable BBQs in light of the devastating fire at Wareham Forest.

West Dorset-based Groves has said it ‘wants to do its bit’ after a huge fire destroyed 230 football pitches of heathland.

Although the cause of the is believed to be accidental, firefighters and those investigating the blaze found 11 disposable barbecues in the area the fire is known to have started.

It’s been said it was ‘an act of carelessness.’

Groves will no longer stock the barbecues, normally a popular seller, and says the move will be permanent.

Charlie Groves said: “We don’t think people need to use them. We have had a dry spring and summer so far and it’s obviously very, very dangerous using these things.

“You see them left around on beaches and other nice areas after people have used them. They’re obviously still hot and people are not sure what to do with them so they leave them lying around.

“We wanted to do what we can. We've never really thought about it before - not until this happened. It might not make a huge difference but maybe we can lead the way.”

Despite repeated warnings against having barbecues and bonfires, firefighters were called to extinguish 18 fires in the open on Monday alone - on top of trying to deal with the major fire at Wareham Forest.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is pleading with the public to stop having barbecues and fires in the open and 'consider the consequences of your actions.'

Mr Groves added: "It's devastating to see what's happened. I know the forest well and use it recreationally and it's just devastating.

"It must be stressful for the people who live near there."

At this time of year there is usually an increase in wildfires which is why these activities are discouraged. However, the brigade is faced with the additional challenge of trying to fully extinguish a huge blaze in Wareham.

Firefighters from all DWFRS's 50 stations still helping put out the fire 11 days on, yet crews were called to 18 other fires caused by disposable barbecues and unattended bonfires on Monday.

Whilst 11 fire engines and numerous other resources were dealing with the fire at Wareham, the brigade was mobilised to deal with another heathland fire.

A total of three fire engines and three off-road appliances were requested and sent, and there were concerns the fire would spread. To prevent the fire from escalating, some of the resources from the Wareham Forest incident had to quickly be released from their important work of damping down that fire to help.