Warning to check BBQs after thatched roof fire averted

AFTER the quick thinking of a home owner averted a BBQ fire spreading to the thatch roof of a cottage at Tiddington, near Thame, a fire officer has warned of the importance of checking BBQ equipment after long periods of non-use.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue were called at 18:13 on Friday, April 10, to a BBQ that had caught fire, involving the gas cylinder that fuelled it. Two fire engines from Thame and Wheatley were quickly on scene and found that the fire had been extinguished by the owner, stopping the flames from going near the thatch roof of the property. The owner had also isolated the gas cylinder.

“This prompt action kept the fire from spreading, but this did put the owners at an increased risk of burns,” said CM Terry Williams from Thame fire station. “Cylinders that have been exposed to heat can also explode.”

He warned: “It is extremely important at this time of year to make sure all barbecue equipment is working properly before it is used and that all residents are aware of the dangers of using both gas and charcoal barbecues, especially after long periods of non-use. The rubber hoses for Gas BBQ’s can perish if it has been exposed to sunlight or frost over the winter period. This incident could have led to a much larger fire, so I would urge people to follow my advice below:”

Tips for gas barbecues:
· read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to check for leaks in the cylinder or pipework
· make sure your barbecue is in good working order
· make sure the tap is off before changing the gas cylinder and do it in the open air
· don’t over-tighten joints
· when you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the barbecue controls – this way any residual gas in the pipes will be used up
· don’t keep more cylinders than you need
· gas cylinders should be kept outside, away from direct sunlight and frost
· change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well-ventilated area

Tips for all BBQ’s
· make sure your barbecue is standing on a flat surface and away from buildings, fences, trees and sheds
· 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

Remember always dial 999 for the Fire and Rescue Service immediately, if anything goes wrong.