Date: 14th June, 2018
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to take extra care when disposing of barbecues, after a fire in Lyme Regis on 9 June.
The car park attendant’s hut and an adjacent bin were destroyed after fire broke out in the bin shortly before 4am. A crew from Lyme Regis fire station attended and used two hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze.
It is believed that a disposable barbecue had been placed into the bin before it had cooled fully, and then smouldered for some hours before catching alight.
A Service spokesman said: “At this time of year, lots of people will be using barbecues and we urge them to take proper precautions to prevent the risk of fire. In Lyme Regis, there are designated bins for the safe disposal of barbecues, otherwise always ensure that coals are completely cold before being thrown away, ideally by damping down with water. You should never dispose of hot barbecue ashes in plastic rubbish bins, as this can easily start a fire.”
Other top tips for the safe use of barbecues include:
- Always position the barbecue on a level site, away from wooden fencing, sheds and hedges.
- Don’t place the barbecue on dry grass or vegetation.
- Use firelighters or barbecue fuel to light the coals – NEVER use petrol or paraffin.
- Keep children and pets well away from the cooking area and never leave the barbecue unattended.
- Be careful when grilling fatty foods, as the fat can cause the coals to flare up.
- Always have a bucket of water or garden hose to hand in case a barbecue gets out of hand.
- Make sure the controls and cylinder valves of a gas barbecue are turned off before you change the cylinder, which should be done in a well-ventilated area. Always check the connections for leaks.
- Store gas cylinders outside and protect them from direct sunlight and frost.
- Make sure your gas barbecue is correctly serviced and that all joints are tightened, safe and secure.
- Never use a barbecue indoors or inside a tent, as they produce potentially lethal carbon monoxide.
For more fire safety information, please visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety