Fire service issues world cup BBQ safety message

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A garden on Clemshaw Close

As the World Cup continues to gather pace and with warm weather forecast, many people are planning to enjoy barbecues along with watching the fixtures. Weather permitting both should be safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone; but cooking in the open can be hazardous.

Chief Fire Officer Steve McGuirk said, “It’s too easy to be distracted when you’re enjoying the atmosphere of the football fixtures and you have family and friends around you whilst cooking. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service urge everyone to follow some simple precautions to reduce the risks of barbecue mishaps”.

To minimise the dangers please follow this advice: 

• Make sure that your barbecue is in good working order
• Keep a bucket of water, a bucket of sand or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies and never leave a barbecue unattended
• Make sure your barbecue site is flat and well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs
• Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 50mm (two inches)
• To light your barbecue only use barbecue lighter fuel or firelighters; NEVER use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids
• If there is a wind blowing, make sure that it is blowing away from you when you light the barbecue (just in case it flares up), and ensure that your not wearing any loose clothing that could flap on it and ignite
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area
• Once ashes are cool empty onto bare garden soil, never into a dustbin or wheelie bin

Gas Barbecues
Bottled gas barbecues need special care when being turned on and off. 

• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
• Change gas cylinders in the open air if possible or open doors and windows to provide good ventilation. Never smoke whilst changing cylinders
• When you’ve finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the barbecue controls, to ensure any gas in the pipeline is used up

Remember – Barbecues should never be lit indoors and people should avoid drinking alcohol while cooking.