WARNING!! Barbecues Are Dangerous: Treat With Respect
Written by adminChris on June 14, 2011
A man in the Gloucester area suffered burns to his face after pouring petrol on to hot barbecue coals at around 9pm last night and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
The Fire & Rescue Service is warning that you should never use petrol or paraffin on a barbecue. Only use recognised lighters or starter fuels and these should only be poured on to cold coals.
It’s important to keep a bucket of water or hose pipe close by in case of fire and to never light a barbecue near to wooden structures, such as sheds or fences, or near hedges and plants that could catch fire. Do not overload your barbecue, don’t leave it unattended, and make sure it is fully extinguished before going to bed.
This incident follows in the wake of a fire believed to have been started by a barbecue in a Tudor building in the grounds of Beaudesert School, Minchinhampton on May 28th. The barbecue had been used earlier and left against the building.
Jon Hall, Chief Fire Officer of Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “When summer arrives, of course people are keen to get their barbecues out. They can be great fun but these two recent incidents show how dangerous they can be too. “Your barbecue could easily spark a fire or cause an injury if you don’t take the right precautions. Please remember to follow our simple safety advice to help keep you and your family safe.”
If, after following these precautions, a fire does start, please call 999, leave the area as quickly as possible and do not return unless the firefighters tell you that it is safe to do so.
Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: “It’s great to be able to get outdoors with family and friends and enjoy the weather, but it is important to take care and remember that outdoor activities can be hazardous.”
For information on general fire safety, visit www.glosfire.gov.uk
You can follow Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service on www.facebook.com/glosfire or www.twitter.com/glosfire You can also follow our Chief Fire Officer on www.twitter.com/glosfirechief
