Fire service issues guide to a safe barbecue
Thursday, 27th May 2010.
With the bank holiday approaching and the hottest weekend of the year just past, sitting in the garden with a freshly grilled burger will definitely be on the agenda for many.
However, Suffolk Rire and Rescue Service is warning cooking over hot coals can be hazardous and the designated chef can often be distracted when in the company of friends and family.
In light of this, they have issued a basic common sense guide. Gary Phillips, assistant chief fire officer, said: We have been enjoying some delightful weather and it is natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy every minute of it. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your barbecue is a safe and enjoyable event.
NEVER add any accelerants such as paraffin or white spirit to a barbecue.
Make sure your barbecue is positioned far away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
Never leave a barbecue unattended.
Enjoy yourself, but dont drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues. Never use a barbecue indoors.
Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cm or 2in.)
Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If theyre hot, they can melt plastic and cause a fire.
After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
Assistant CFO Phillips 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 and the reaction has, not surprisingly, been violent and highly dangerous. Prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early, and most of all, enjoy yourself safely.
However, Suffolk Rire and Rescue Service is warning cooking over hot coals can be hazardous and the designated chef can often be distracted when in the company of friends and family.
In light of this, they have issued a basic common sense guide. Gary Phillips, assistant chief fire officer, said: We have been enjoying some delightful weather and it is natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy every minute of it. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your barbecue is a safe and enjoyable event.
NEVER add any accelerants such as paraffin or white spirit to a barbecue.
Make sure your barbecue is positioned far away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
Never leave a barbecue unattended.
Enjoy yourself, but dont drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues. Never use a barbecue indoors.
Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cm or 2in.)
Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If theyre hot, they can melt plastic and cause a fire.
After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
Assistant CFO Phillips 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 and the reaction has, not surprisingly, been violent and highly dangerous. Prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early, and most of all, enjoy yourself safely.
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