Use "common sense" at barbecues!

Tuesday 02 June 2020

After being called out to another barbecue fire over the weekend, Guernsey Fire & Rescue are urging people to take extra care when cooking their food and disposing of hot materials.

The fire, which was the second of its kind over the past month, began when barbecue materials were left in a plastic bin at Pembroke before they had completely cooled.

Another fire of a similar nature was reported in April, when a disposable barbecue caused a gorse fire at Jerbourg. 

"Outdoor activities are often a great way to spend your leisure time, but they have their own set of unique fire risks that should not be underestimated, especially as we have had little or no rain for some time," a spokesperson for the Fire Service said. "However, some common sense preparation can ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

"A barbecue should be a safe and enjoyable experience but it’s all too easy to be distracted when you have friends and family around you whilst cooking.

"To avoid injuries or damage to property, follow these simple precautions:

• Make sure your barbecue is in good working order
• Ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area
• Never leave the barbecue unattended
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
• Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it"

When it comes to charcoal barbecues, people are encouraged to use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about two inches. The service advises using recognised fire lighters or starter fuel - never petrol - and only on cold coals. Once finished, the hot ashes should never be put straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin as they could melt the plastic and cause a fire.

Pictured: The Fire & Rescue Service were called out to help.

For gas barbecues, the Fire & Rescue Service suggests:

• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
• Change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well ventilated area
• If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles - tighten to fix but do not over tigten
• After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning off at the controls to ensure any residual gas in the pipe work is used up
• Empty clean drip trays after each use

In the case of an emergency, always call 999.

Pictured top: The Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service had to deal with a discarded barbecue which melted a plastic bin at the weekend.