Fire on balcony of flat

One appliance and crew from Broughton and one from Newport Pagnell attended. Firefighters used one hose reel and a ladder. The fire was caused by a disposable barbecue.

Fortunately this fire was put out before it had a chance to spread to neighbouring balconies or flats, but not using a barbecue on a balcony is one of our barbecue safety tips. Here are some more:

• Make sure your barbecue is sited well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
• Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
• Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more.
• Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues.
• Do not use a barbecue indoors.
• Do not leave a lit barbecue unattended.
• Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
• Enjoy yourself, but do not drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
• After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
• Empty ashes on to bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. Hot ash can melt a plastic bin or cause a fire.