A young girl has suffered ‘burns to her feet’ after stepping on a disposable barbecue which was left behind and covered with sand on a Co Down beach.
The incident happened on Murlough beach on Sunday afternoon, with coastguard teams from both Newcastle and Kilkeel tasked to the incident to assist the ambulance service.
The Newcastle coastguard said that the young girl hadn’t realised the barbecue was there as it had been covered with “a thing layer of sand”.
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“The girl had been walking in the dunes when she accidentally walked onto a disposable barbecue,” a spokesperson said.
The disposable barbecue had been covered with a thin layer of sand. Pic: Tourism Ireland
“It is believed the barbecue had been used earlier and, being too hot to remove, was covered with a thin layer of sand before those who used it left the beach.
“Now invisible to walkers, the girl didn’t realise it was there.
“We would appeal to visitors to Murlough and other coastal areas not to bring disposable barbecues.
“Set aside the risk of wildfires, they are dangerous to unsuspecting walkers and dogs.”
DUP MLA for South Down Diane Forsythe said the incident was “absolutely horrific”.
“This is absolutely horrific, injured whilst out on the beach because of someone being careless leaving danger behind,” she said.
“Thanks to our dedicated coastguard teams for attending to this and wishing the girl a speedy recovery.”
The incident comes as the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has advised those eating outdoors in the good weather to choose a picnic over a disposable barbecue.
“A single spark from a match, BBQ or cigarette can cause wildfire.”