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Only the barbecue needs to be smoking this Bank Holiday weekend.

Only the barbecue needs to be smoking this Bank Holiday weekend.

We’re all hoping for good weather this weekend and, if it does arrive, it’s understandable that you might want to enjoy it by having a barbecue.

If you do, we would like to share a few safety tips and considerations so it’s just your sausages sizzling this weekend.

Joanne Cook, Head of Community Safety, said: “A recent incident in Chesham started with someone preparing to light their barbecue. Unfortunately, it resulted in damage to their pergola and fence, with the fire also spreading to two sheds and the soffits and guttering of the house.

“Our crews are here to respond to incidents when you need us most and they will be working to keep you safe over this early May bank holiday. But you can do your bit by following some basic safety tips, which could help avoid our firefighters becoming your uninvited guests this weekend, and you missing out on your tasty burgers and bangers.”

Jo’s Safety Tips:

  • Make sure your barbecue is sited well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
  • Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more.
  • If you live in a flat, do not use a barbecue on a balcony, if a fire develops it could spread to neighbouring balconies and flats.
  • Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues.
  • Do not use a barbecue indoors.
  • Do not leave a lit barbecue unattended.
  • Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
  • 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 onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. Hot ash can melt a plastic bin or cause a fire.

You could also use the time to check in on our safety advice hub for more BBQ advice, plus lots of additional tips to make sure you, and our crews, all stay safe and enjoy our Bank Holiday weekend.

For more information on the incident see our incident updates Fire affecting two sheds and the owners report at: Mum’s urgent warning after garden went up in flames when BBQ sparked inferno (thesun.co.uk)barbecue safety advice in pictures

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