
Service says callouts to incidents involving them have been rising
As we move further into Spring and the warmer weather, people are urged to avoid using disposable BBQs.
The message comes from the fire and rescue service - who is urging those who do use it to ensure it's disposed of properly.
Fire Safety Officer Richard Little says that each year, there are more callouts to these fires, but believes that the majority of them could have been avoided:
To avoid injuries or damage to property follow these simple precautions:
- Never leave the barbecue unattended
- Ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs
- Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area
- Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
- Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it Be aware that disposable barbecue’s bring several risks, from grass fires to harming wildlife.
- Disposable barbecue’s are often not put out properly, which can cause grass fires, especially in hot weather when the ground is dry
- Wind may carry smouldering ash towards nearby grassland or neighbouring properties
- The ground beneath a barbecue can remain hot for hours after it has been removed, posing a risk to anyone who might walk over it
- They pose a threat to wildlife and their disposable design makes them wasteful and harmful to the environment