DAWLISH Warren sea wall and part of a road surface was damaged by a disposable barbecue, fire crews have warned.

Barbecues and fires are banned on the environmentally sensitive area of the dunes at the Warren.

But firefighters were called out to tackle the fire which started in a wheeled bin caused by a disposable barbecue.

Teignbridge Council has urged residents and visitors to remember that barbecues and fires are not allowed on the beach or in the dunes at Dawlish Warren.

A council spokesman said: ‘Unfortunately the fire service had to be called to deal with a fire in a wheelie bin caused by a disposable barbecue.

‘Dawlish Warren is a Special Area of Conservation and a key part of the Exe Estuary Special Protection Area for wildlife.

‘We want you to have a great time whilst visiting Dawlish Warren so please follow the code to make sure you don’t disturb the wonderful wildlife or damage important habitats.

‘If you are using disposable barbecues on other beaches, please make sure they are out and cooled down before disposing of them.’