Barbecue safety warning

7:50pm Saturday 9th August 2008

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FIRE officers this week warned people holding barbecues to take special care, especially when trying to get the fire going.

Paul Slaven, PR officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “By far the biggest danger is the use of flammable liquids to light the barbecue.

“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, not surprisingly, been violent and highly dangerous.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service warn people to: Never light a barbecue indoors; Never leave a barbecue unattended; Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees,shrubs or garden waste; Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cm or 2in); Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area; After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it; Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they are hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire; Enjoy yourself – but do not 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.

Mr Slaven added: “This may seem like a long list but most of these things are common sense.

“Always prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early. Most of all enjoy yourself safely.”