DEFA Minister defends bbq

Boot appears to have missed his department's advice

A minister has defended having a barbecue in a field during the long dry spell of weather.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minster Geoffrey Boot last weekend posted a picture on social media of his alfresco meal, which was cooked in a field he owns.

Mr Boot admitted it wasn't his smartest social media post, but insisted 'sensible precautions were taken to ensure the barbecue was safe, such as having large container of water nearby, and soaking the ground underneath after use'.

DEFA officials have repeatedly urged people not to smoke, light camp fires or barbecues in these rural areas, with signs placed around the Island warning of the risk of wildfire.

The department's Hills, Forests and Glens Directorate said that 'some people are still not getting the message' after several blazes were put out last week.

In recent weeks Mr Boot has highlighted the dangers brought by the recent warm weather, warning vegetation could easily ignite, causing 'disastrous consequences for the local environment'.