This Common Outdoor BBQ Spot Has A Dangerously High Fire Risk

Yahoo

09-05-2025

With temperatures set to soar this weekend in an already unusually dry month, many of us will be tempted to bring out the barbie to make the most of the sun.
But there are some risks associated with the cooking method – and no, we're not just talking about pink sausages (though the NHS has shared some tips on preventing those too).
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) says that a common barbecuing method can 'put people, homes, property and wildlife in danger', especially during times like now, when we've experienced a prolonged lack of rain.
The LFB writes that if you're having a picnic in a park, you shouldn't use any barbecue – either disposable or non-disposable.
That's because, they say, 'Grass can be very dry and a fire can start and spread quickly. This puts people, homes, property and wildlife in danger.'
This is particularly true at the moment; last month was the driest April since 1961, and this month doesn't show many more signs of rain.
The LFB also says you shouldn't drink alcohol if you're in charge of the barbecue, as you need to stay alert when dealing with flames.
Yes – the brigade adds that you should never start a barbecue on a balcony because 'Flames, sparks and hot embers can cause a fire and spread quickly to other parts of the building.'
You also shouldn't place your barbecue on your decking, which may be flammable. Instead, you should lay it on flat ground and keep it far away from sheds and fences.
Have a bucket of water and/or sand nearby in case the flames get out of control, and keep kids and animals far from the heat, they add.
Don't just leave the coal ashes when the flames have gone, either – make sure they're fully out after they've cooled to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
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