With temperatures heating up, the risk of fire increases. Enjoying garden parties, BBQs and the Euro's is important, but so is your safety. In this article, we're taking you through our top tips to keep safe this summer when having a BBQ.
BBQ Fire Safety
This helpful video from Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service illustrates how to keep safe around BBQs.
If a fire breaks out, call the fire brigade on 999.
If your clothing catches fire, remember STOP, DROP AND ROLL.
To shop fire blankets, click here.
Top Tips!
- Never leave your BBQ unattended
- Never use a BBQ indoors - this can cause a fire
- Keep the BBQ away from trees, shrubs, tents and sheds, and anything that might catch fire
- Ensure your BBQ is completely cooled before moving it or disposing
- Ensure your BBQ is on a stable surface and in a spacious area
- Keep children away from the BBQ area
- Do not use the BBQ if you have been drinking alcohol
It is important to understand how to properly use your BBQ and how to take care of it. This can be different depending on whether your BBQ is charcoal, gas or disposable.
Charcoal BBQ Fire Safety
- NEVER use petrol to light your BBQ. Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel, and ensure the coals are cold.
- Wait until your BBQ is completely cool when you dispose of the coals. If the ashes are still hot, they can trigger a fire.
Gas BBQ Fire Safety
- Always perform a gas leak test before lighting the BBQ. If you suspect a gas leak, do not use the BBQ.
- Ensure your BBQ is correctly serviced and all joints are secure.
- Ensure controls and cylinder valves are turned off before changing the gas cylinder
- Change gas cylinders in open air
- Store gas cylinders outdoors and out of sunlight and away from frost.
- After cooking, ensure you turn off the gas cylinder before turning off the other controls. This ensures all the gas in the pipe work is used up.
Disposable BBQ Fire Safety
Wildfires and damage to wildlife are one of the largest risks of disposable BBQs, so it is crucial that they are used properly and safely to avoid damage.
- Ensure the disposable BBQ is put out properly and is completely cool before disposing. If the BBQ is too hot, it can cause grass fires, which is even more of a risk when the ground is dry in the summer months.
- Be mindful that disposable BBQs stay hot for hours after use.
- You can cool your disposable BBQ using water.
- Do not bring a disposable BBQ into your tent, even after use. BBQs produce carbon monoxide, a toxic gas, which can linger after they cool.