Shed destroyed by barbecue fire

OXFORDSHIRE County Council Fire and Rescue Service are warning of the dangers of barbecues, after they were called to a shed fire in Langdale Road, Thame at 5.54 pm on Sunday, June 15. 

One of the two fire engines that attended the shed fire in Langdale Road. Thame

Two fire engines from Thame attended and on arrival found a garden shed destroyed by fire which had spread to adjoining fences and hedges. The heat from the fire has also damaged a number of children’s toys and a trampoline. Fire crews extinguished the fire using high pressure hoses and prevented further fire spread.

It is believed that the fire started from a barbecue which had been used earlier in the day and put away in the shed before it had fully cooled down.

Watch Manager, Andy Ford, said:  ‘The owner and neighbours reduced the fire damage using garden hoses, prior to the arrival of the service, but were lucky not to be injured. An aerosol had exploded in the shed and could have caused serious injuries to anyone in the near vicinity.”

Follow the safety tips below to avoid injuries or damage to your property:
· follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues
· make sure your barbecue is standing on a flat surface and away from fences, trees and sheds
· only use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue
· remember to light your charcoal an hour before you commence cooking
· lighter fuels must only be applied before lighting
· never use petrol or paraffin to start, or re-ignite your barbecue
· use only barbecue fire lighters or starter fuel on cold coals
· be careful with fatty foods and never poor oil onto meat when it is cooking
· if you’re the chef try not to drink too much alcohol whilst cooking
· keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby
· keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area
· don’t leave the barbecue unattended
· never use a barbecue indoors or in an enclosed space – a warm, smouldering barbecue gives of plenty of poisonous
  carbon monoxide – if used indoors or an enclosed space carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels very
  quickly
· after you have finished cooking, extinguish the burning coals – leave for a period of time and then check that the fire is
  completely out
· make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it
· never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they could melt the plastic and cause a fire

This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!