Why it is so important to barbecue safely this summer!

Summertime time in the UK can be glorious. When we are finally graced by the blazing rays of the sun there tends to be a national urge to get the BBQ (barbecue) out, and why not! It is a fun way to spend time with family and friends.

As we get into the full swing of BBQ season, we are asking you to join us in being #FireSafe this summer so we can all avoid the damage and destruction BBQ fires can cause. Only earlier this month one of our crews from Broughton Fire Station was sent to Campbell Park to respond to a fire.

Watch Commander Watts said

“As we approached the area, we could see flames and smoke covering the roadway. The crews closed off the road to make the scene safe. Once this was done a hose reel jet was ran off to quickly attack and supress the fire from spreading. This quick action prevented the fire from spreading into nearby trees and a parked car.”

Discarded disposable BBQ still 150 degrees

The crews found a discarded disposable BBQ which was believed to be the likely cause of the fire. The shocking thing was, even after being soaked with water, the disposable BBQ was still registering over 150 degrees! This was measured by the crew’s using a thermal image camera. After the firefighters fully extinguished the fire, they went on to check for hot spots and embers.

Over 2000 Litres of water was used

Due to heat and the surrounding bushes and tree’s being so dry an area either side of the burnt vegetation was sprayed with water as a precaution. Approximately 2000 litres of water was used. These types of incidents are a risk to life, property and require a lot of resource.

In hot, dry spells fires that are caused by BBQ’s spread quickly, not just in parks and woodlands but in the garden too. In fact, from the incidents we have attended, where BBQ’s fires have spread, it took less than 8 minutes for the fire to reach the home.

How to be fire safe this BBQ season

Station Commander Prevention, Lee Carson has these words of advice.

“If you decide to have a BBQ first off, make sure the barbecue is in good working order. My other top tips to keep you and your family #FireSafe

• Place your BBQ on a flat site, away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs, and garden waste.
• Keep children, garden games and pets away from the cooking area.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol when cooking.
• Keep a bucket of water or sand, or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
• Ensure the BBQ is cool before attempting to move it and never discard hot ashes straight. into a dustbin, wellie bin or on dry vegetation.
• Looking to have a BBQ away from the home? Read up on restrictions before you go and use designated BBQ areas only.
• In extreme hot weather conditions simply Don’t risk it! Don’t light it!

A great place to go for more information regarding Fire Safety is our online safety advice hub“

Red Watch at Broughton Fire Station, have produced a short video for social media to help raise awareness of how to BBQ safely. The video also includes some top fire safety tips too.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, like share and help us spread the word, so we can all keep Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes safe at home, at work and on the road!