Sheffield weather: Warning over dangers of disposable BBQs, and entering open water as city warms up

Water bosses are warning of open swimming dangers and of risks posed by disposable barbecues, as Sheffield’s weather gets warmer.
Rahmah Ghazali
By Rahmah Ghazali
Published 13th Apr 2022, 15:42 BST
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Yorkshire Water is urging visitors to its reservoirs to follow the Countryside Code and not to take risks by using disposable barbecues or entering the water to cool off ahead of the run of Bank Holidays in the coming months.

They said there have already been a number of moorland fires previously, which have been linked to disposable barbecues.

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Disposable barbecues are not permitted on any of Yorkshire Water’s sites, and some of its sites are covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s), which means people could face on the spot fines if they are found to be using one.

Ulley Reservoir, Rotherham, has seen fatalities in the pastUlley Reservoir, Rotherham, has seen fatalities in the past
Ulley Reservoir, Rotherham, has seen fatalities in the past

In April last year, firefighters battled an overnight blaze on moorland in Ringinglow Road, near Sheffield. The fire was thought to have been caused by a disposable barbecue.

Swimming in open water has also resulted in tragedies, such as the death of a teenager, Sam Haycock, in May of last year when he got into difficulty in the water at Ulley reservoir in Rotherham.

Gaynor Carpenter, head of land and property at Yorkshire Water, said: “With half-term upon us and a number of Bank Holiday weekends ahead it is important visitors to our reservoirs do not take risks by using disposable barbecues or entering the water.

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"We’ve recently seen the very real dangers fires caused by barbecues pose to our moorland, which can take hundreds of years to recover.

“It is also important visitors to our sites remain vigilant around the water, particularly parents with children who may be tempted to enter the water.

“We work hard to ensure our sites can be enjoyed by visitors from the region and beyond and it is important people leave the sites as they found them so they can be enjoyed by others in the warmer weeks and months to come.

"Following the Countryside Code and ensuring to take litter home, keep dogs on leads and park considerately will all help to make visits to our reservoirs enjoyable for everyone.”

In case you see someone in the water who requires help or a fire, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service.