Murlough Nature Reserve’s cafe had a close call on Friday evening after visitors left a burning barbecue too close to the building.
Fire crews from Downpatrick and Rathfriland rushed to the premises, which suffered exterior damage.
Details of the incident and images of the aftermath were shared on the ‘Barrel and Bean at Murlough’ Facebook account.
The post’s author stated it was fortunate the fire did not take hold at the single storey premises.
“This is what happens when you leave a barbecue burning and go home,” they added.
“The fire was spotted and Downpatrick and Rathfriland Fire Service attended.”
Adding there was “some exterior damage,” the post went on to confirm that “inside was saved”.
It continued: “Thank you to NI Fire and Rescue Service and those who spotted (the blaze) and called it in.”
Details of the incident were also shared by NIFRS on its social media channels, with a representative of the emergency service describing Friday night’s incident as “a very close call”.
Issuing some simple, but essential, safety advice – including ensuring any barbecue site is flat and away from combustible items such as fences, trees and sheds – the post stated: “A very close call for the owners of Barrel and Bean when someone left a disposable barbecue unattended near their premises.”
It went on to say: “Never leave a barbecue unattended. After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
“Make sure ashes are cool before disposal.
“For portable barbecues, make sure the area under it is cooled after use. This area stores a lot of heat, which can cause severe burns.”
