Barbecuing may seem like a simple, summer pastime, but they can quickly get out of hand and are highly dangerous if not handled responsibly. Every year the fire service is called to a number of fires that are started by barbecues.
If you do choose to have a barbecue, it’s important to keep safety in mind and follow ECFRS advice:
- Always place disposable barbecues on an even surface, well away from your house, sheds and fences, and make sure your barbecue has cooled down completely before putting it in the bin.
- For charcoal barbecues, use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue and stick to recognised fire lighters or starter fuel (use these on cold coals only!).
- Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.
- For gas barbeques, change cylinders outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, making sure the tap is turned off. After cooking, turn the gas supply off first and then the barbecue control to stop any gas from leaking.
Be carbon monoxide aware
Never use fuel-burning devices such as disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills inside a tent. They can give off fumes for hours after use, which can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
A reminder that the use of barbecues is not permitted in our public parks.