People have been asked to take extra care when disposing of barbecue coals following a bin fire.

A public bin caught alight on Saturday evening in Folkestone Harbour after someone had dumped a disposable barbecue inside.

Crews used flexi packs to put it out.

Crew manager Gary Miller said: “Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of these fires, but with more people likely to be having barbecues during the hot weather, they serve as a timely reminder for people to take extra care when disposing of hot coals.”

He warned that the barbecue should be cool before it is moved and that ashes should never be put straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin.

“Empty the cooled, spent ashes on to bare garden soil,” he said.

“Or if you are out and about dowse disposable barbecues with water to ensure they are fully extinguished and cooled.

“We want everyone to enjoy their barbecue events and would urge people to follow our barbecue safety tips.”

For more information on how to stay safe, click here.