Jersey Water urges the public to respect its property following a troubling rise in the unauthorised use of disposable barbecues at Val de la Mare reservoir.
The utility company has also called for the return of a warning sign that had been removed, which instructed visitors not to light barbecues and fires at the site.
In a statement, Jersey Water announced that staff, in collaboration with the charity Jersey Trees for Life, would be closely monitoring Val de la Mare. Several fire remains have been discovered at the reservoir in recent weeks.
Mark Bowden, Jersey Water’s asset manager, emphasized that lighting fires and barbecues at the site is prohibited "and for good reason."
“With the hot weather we’ve been experiencing, it poses a real risk of more widespread fire, which would have devastating implications for flora and fauna,” he said. “There are designated spots around the Island for barbecuing, so please use those and not our land.”
Mr. Bowden added that while Islanders are "absolutely welcome" to enjoy the reservoir, visitors must “respect our land by adhering to a few important guidelines.”
John Michel from Jersey Trees for Life, which manages the botanical collection of trees at Val de la Mare, expressed concern over the fires and the removal of the warning sign.
“Fires can cause serious damage to the environment and wildlife, especially in dry weather, and we urge all visitors to keep this in mind and remain respectful,” Michel said.
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