Blackpool firefighters shocked to find makeshift barbecue made from burning tyre and upside down trolley

Fire crews from Blackpool were called to reports of a fire on Mereside Park on Clifton Road, close to Tesco, at around 3pm today (June 1).

Firefighters were shocked to find burgers wrapped in tin foil on top of a makeshift barbecue made from a tyre which had been set on fire and an upturned shopping trolley.

The barbecue was unattended by the time firefighters arrived.

Images from the scene show firefighters using one hose reel to extinguish the blaze.

A Blackpool Fire Station spokesperson said: "We’ve not seen this method of cooking burgers before! A lit tyre under an upturned shopping trolley with the burgers wrapped in tin foil.

"We are guessing to keep the acrid black rubber tyre taste away from the burgers

"Please consider fire spread when having barbecues and avoid burning waste during this time. Our resources have been inundated with fires caused by these two reasons."

The incident comes after Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service released numerous pleas not to light fires or use disposable barbecues out in the open, especially on moors and in woodland areas.

The warnings were issued as they tackled wildfires on the moors above Darwen and damp down at Longridge Fell.

Insp Dixon, of Lancashire Constabulary said: "Safety at this time of year is vital, and we want to be clear that we will investigate if we believe fires have been started deliberately.

"We’d urge people to heed the Fire Service’s messages and spare a thought for the people who live near the affected areas and also the firefighters who are working round the clock to tackle these blazes. Please never set campfires or use disposal barbecues outside – the risks at this time of year are just to great and it only takes one stray spark to cause a huge fire.

"Let’s all work together to stay safe and enjoy the warm weather, taking care of friends and family whilst maintaining the two metres social distancing from those you don’t live with."