THE Fire Service contained a potential disaster, after a metal barbecue set alight trees last weekend at a popular Forest beauty spot.

Reports of a smell of smoke in the woods behind the Cyril Hart Arboretum near the Speech House were passed to a member of Forestry England round 8am on Saturday August 1,

A metal barbecue which had been left behind was discovered, which had set alight the forest floor and two trees.

More than 4,000 litres of water were needed to make the area safe, and the fire was fully extinguished a few hours later.

Forestry England thanked the quick actions of its team member and the fire service, and reminded the public not to light fires or barbecues in the Forest, and to report fires immediately by dialing 999.