As part of the Fire Kills ‘Outdoor Fire Safety’ campaign, Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is asking residents to take extra care when cooking outside, following the arrival of the warm, light evenings.
Last weekend alone (4th-5th June), Avon Fire & Rescue attended four fires across the area involving barbecues.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service Group Manager for Risk Reduction, Matt Peskett, said: “It’s natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather with family and friends and light the barbecue.
“We all know how tempting it can be to give stubborn coals a helping hand, but, please be patient and make sure you use the right tools for the job.
“If you’ve planned a barbecue and the weather lets you down, don’t take the barbecue indoors or into a tent.
“In recent years, some people have sadly succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning as a result, so we are urging everyone to stay safe this summer.”
“The biggest danger is the use of flammable liquids to light the barbecue and we have had a couple of occasions where people have poured petrol onto the charcoal in an effort to get it going and the reaction has been very dangerous. Prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early.”
To support the campaign firefighters in Bath will be providing advice on barbecue safety at the following times and locations:
Saturday 11th June:
- 11.00hrs Bath Marina and Caravan Park, Newbridge
- 14.00hrs St Johns RC Primary School, Oldfield Park
Saturday 18 June:
- 11.00hrs Bath Festival of Motoring, Walcot Rugby Club, Lansdown
Enjoy yourself safely by following these top tips to ensure your barbecue is a safe and enjoyable event.
- Never leave a lit barbecue unattended.
- Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues.
- Never use a barbecue indoors.
- Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs and garden waste.
- Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
- After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
- Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more.
- Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.
- Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
- Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
For more fire safety advice visit: http://www.avonfire.gov.uk/safety-advice/seasonal-safety/summer/barbecue-safety.
