ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is urging residents to take care when using barbecues and cooking at home this summer.
Last July proved to be a busy period for national fire services as Thames Valley Fire Control Service (TVFCS) took more than 1,000 calls from July 16-20, taking 550 emergency calls on the hottest day, July 19, alone.
Steve Leonard, West Hub group manager, said: “While we want you to enjoy the summer weather, please take care when you cook.
“A barbecue with friends and family is a great way to spend your time, but if you don’t take due care, a fire could easily start and grow out of control.
“Keep a bucket of water nearby, make sure your barbecue is on a flat, even surface and do not use disposable barbecues on flammable surfaces – that will start a fire.”
RBFRS is asking residents not to take risks by tackling any fires which arise by themselves; instead, they should call 999.
The service has issued the following steps to keep safe:
- Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
- Set up your barbecue on level ground
- If you have a gas barbecue, always store gas cylinders outside
- Use only approved lighter fluids and only ever on cold coals
- Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose nearby for emergencies
- Be careful when cooking fatty foods, the dripping fat can cause the barbecue to flare up
- Don’t leave a lit barbecue unattended
- Don’t cook if you’re affected by alcohol or prescription drugs
- Don’t take a barbecue indoors – even when the flames aren’t visible, it can still give off carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly
- Don’t use disposable barbecues on flammable or uneven surfaces
For more information about barbecuing and bonfire safety, visit: www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/out-and-about/bonfires-and-barbecues
