Residents warned not to burn their bangers!
With warm weather expected for the weekend, lots of people will be heading out into the garden and lighting up the barbecue.
In light of this Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service are asking residents to take extra care when lighting up. By following some simple steps you can ensure your barbecue is a safe enjoyable event.
* Stand portable barbecues on an even surface and make sure they are away from the house, fences or shed.
* Use only approved lighter fuels, never petrol.
* Keep young children well away from the barbecue.
* Remember to light your charcoal 45-50 minutes before you commence cooking.
* Don’t be over generous with the charcoal.
* Be careful with fatty foods and never pour oil onto meat when it is cooking.
* After the event seal your charcoal bag and store in a dry place, which will make it easier to light next time.
* If you are the chef, try not to drink too much whilst cooking
* Never poor petrol on any barbecue to try and re-ignite it – start the process again, properly.
* After you have finished cooking, extinguish the burning coals. Then leave a period of time, 1 to 3 hours, to check that the fire is completely out.
Gas BBQ’s
* Always use in a well ventilated area
* Never change the cylinder when the stove is alight or near other naked flames, ie oil lanterns, candles etc
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Gary Phillips said:
“This may seem a long list, but most of these things are common sense. 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. So please try and prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early. Most of all enjoy your day safely!”