Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 23/07/2008 09:06

Now that the Summer sunshine is finally back and the smell of barbecues are sizzling across Cornwall, a timely warning has been issued by Cornwall County Fire Brigade.

Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden explains, “We’re having some great weather at the moment, so it’s only natural for people to want to go outdoors and enjoy it with family and friends, arranging barbecues in their gardens or in public spaces where barbecues are permitted.

“By being aware of some simple rules for safe barbecuing, you can ensure you have a trouble free and enjoyable event. This may seem a long list but most of these things really are just common sense.”

Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues

Never use 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 5cms or 2 inches)

Keep children, pets and games away from the cooking area

After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it

Empty ashes onto bare 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

In closing, CFO Littmoden added, “By far the biggest danger is the use of flammable liquids to light the barbecue. People have been known to pour petrol onto the charcoal in an effort to get the barbecue lit and the reaction has, not surprisingly, been violent and highly dangerous. Prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early so it’s ready when you want it. Most of all, enjoy yourself safely”.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=11546