PEMBROKE Dock Fire Station is warning beachgoers to take care where they site barbecues after 100 metres of dunes were completely burnt at Freshwater West.

On Sunday afternoon, August 27, two crews from Pembroke Dock were called to the fire at Freshwater West dunes.

The crews arrived shortly after 3pm, dousing some 100 square metres of the dunes, which were well alight, for the next hour.

Watch Manager Graeme Callan at Pembroke Dock Fire Station said: “The fire was started by a barbecue next to the grass; we’re advising anyone who has a barbecue to keep away from the grass.”

A statement later added: "The fire crews dealt with the blaze which was caused by ill siting of a disposable BBQ, initially using beaters as access was hindered. Followed by damping down using the Rural Response Vehicle. The area of dunes that was damaged due to the fire measured approximately 30m x 70m. "

Posting on Facebook, Pembroke Dock Fire Station gave a list of pointers for safe barbecuing: “Do: choose the site carefully, only on bare sand; clear up after yourselves and take everything home with you; make sure coals are cold before discarding them.

“Do Not: put barbecues on or near grass or vegetation; rest a lit barbecue on tables, benches or other combustible structures; leave hot coals on the beach or light open fires.

“Remember to be safe, keeping our beaches safe.”