Ahead of the anticipated warmer weather this weekend, London firefighters are reminding people of the steps they can take to prevent a barbecue from getting out of control.
Between 2020 and 2025, London Fire Brigade has seen the steepest increase in barbecue fires during the months of April and May. Across the five-year period, crews responded to 127 fires identified as being caused by barbecues in April and May.
There are straightforward steps Londoners can take to keep their homes and gardens safe from fire when barbecuing this weekend. If you’ve treated yourself to a new gas barbecue, or if you’re getting out an older model that has been stored over the winter, take particular care when using gas cylinders. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting it up and ensure that gas cylinders are changed outdoors.
Never use paraffin, petrol or lighter fluid to try and get your barbecue going. Stick to store bought firelighters as a much safer option. Using accelerants to try and get the fire started could easily lead to an out-of-control blaze that could quickly spread.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Richard Field, said: “As the weather improves and we say goodbye to the gloomy weather, there’s nothing better than having a barbecue to celebrate the returning sunshine. And while we want you to have a good time, we also want you to stay safe. Luckily there are simple steps you can take to stop a fire ruining your barbecues.
“If you’re using an old barbecue, check that it’s still in good condition. If you suspect that the barbecue might be damaged or faulty, don’t use it and call a specialist for advice. It’s also vital that you place them on level ground, away from things like sheds, fences or trees and out of the reach of children and pets.”
The Brigade is also reminding people to never use a barbecue on balconies or in public parks.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Field continued: “We know that space is at a premium for many in the capital, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore certain risks. Using a barbecue on a balcony could risk setting your building on fire or spreading embers across a wide area.
“Please also think twice before barbecuing in parks and public spaces – in many parks it is prohibited and you could be fined for doing so. Disposable barbecues that have been discarded and not properly put out, pose a fire risk for many hours. Hot coals continue to smoulder long after the flames die down, and risk causing dangerous grass fires.”
Firefighters’ top tips for safe barbecuing
-
Never use a barbecue – including disposables – indoors or on your balcony.
-
Be careful where you position your barbecue – we suggest on level ground, well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees, or tents and not on any decking.
-
Do not use petrol, paraffin, or any flammable liquids on your barbecue – store bought firelighters are a much safer option.
-
Never leave a barbecue unattended, even for a few minutes, as that is all it takes for a dangerous fire to take hold
-
Always extinguish a barbecue properly after you have finished using them – especially disposable ones, which can smoulder for hours after the flames have been extinguished.
-
If you’re using a gas barbecue, change the gas cylinder outdoors and make sure you turn off all controls and valves prior to doing so.