Warning over barbecues after fire destroys tree in Pishiobury Park, Sawbridgeworth

Firefighters were called to deal with a fire in the entrance road to Pishiobury Park that was believed to have been caused by a barbecue.

A crew from Sawbridgeworth fire station attended the blaze in Newton Drive last Saturday morning (April 24) at 6.20am to find a small tree “well alight”.

A Hertfordshire County Council spokesman said firefighters had to cut away parts of the tree to tackle the fire, which had reached the roots. It was extinguished by 7.30am.

A spokesperson for East Herts Council, which owns the park, said: “We were made aware of an incident involving a barbecue which resulted in a fire at Pishiobury Park.

“The bylaws in Pishiobury Park state that no fires or barbecues are allowed within the park unless authorised by the council as part of an event.”

The spokesperson added: “We are working with local police, the fire brigade and our Friends group to deal with this issue ahead of the warmer months to keep residents, visitors and our park safe.”