FIRE chiefs are urging people to dispose of barbecues safely.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service report almost half of barbecue-related fires in the county are caused by their dangerous disposal.
Since 2020, WFRS has been called to 85 fires related to barbecues – half of which were caused by the improper discarding of disposable barbecue hot ash or coals.
A further fifth were caused by barbecues being in an unsafe location, such as next to a wooden fence, placed on plastic, or even being used indoors.
Fire chiefs are urging residents to take extra caution when having a barbecue this summer, especially when the weather is warmer, which also creates an increased risk of wildfires that can have devastating consequences to local wildlife, communities and infrastructure.
Barbecue safety tips:
* Keep barbecues away from flammable objects like wooden sheds, fences, and trees.
* Never leave a barbecue unattended while cooking.
Only BBQ outdoors. Never use a barbecue indoors.
* Have a water source nearby such as a bucket or hose for emergencies.
* Use disposable barbecues responsibly: follow the safety instructions and never use them in parks, woods, or fields.
* Light barbecues safely – use only lighters or approved starter fuels, never petrol or paraffin.
* Dispose of ashes safely – let them cool completely before emptying them. Dispose of any ash or charcoal in a metal container only after confirming they are completely cool, not into bins where they can melt plastic and cause fires.
Warwickshire County Council fire safety spokesman Coun Councillor Dale Bridgewater said: “As the undisputed barbecue king, I know nothing beats the thrill of firing up the grill and serving up mouthwatering flavours. But even the mightiest pitmasters respect fire safety – because no masterpiece is worth risking safety (or burnt bangers!).”
“So let’s keep the flames in the grill, not where they shouldn’t be. Always supervise your BBQ, keep water nearby, and make sure it’s stone-cold out before you walk away. Now go forth, grill like a legend… and stay safe.”
