Fire service Bank Holiday barbecue warning

Following an incident in Devon when a teenage boy and his dog suffered severe burns after lighting a barbecue with white spirit which created a fire ball, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue are reminding people of the damgers of using flammable liquids to ignite stubborn coals.

The boy was treated by ambulance crews before being airlifted to hospital. The dog was treated by the fire crew using burns packs and taken to the vet.

The fire service said: "Many of us can’t wait to get the barbecue lit. We all know how tempting it can be to give stubborn coals a helping hand, but, Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reminds you to please be patient and make sure you use the right tools for the job.

"By far the biggest danger is the use of flammable liquids to light any barbecue, these include white spirit, petrol, or thinners.

"Every year there are occasions where people have poured petrol or white spirit onto charcoal in an effort to get it going and the reaction has, not surprisingly, been violent and highly dangerous often creating a fire ball. 

"With the bank holiday fast approaching it’s natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy the long weekend with family and friends, the best plan is to prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early. Most of all enjoy yourself safely."

Top tips
Ensure your barbecue is a safe, enjoyable event.
• Never leave a barbecue unattended.
• Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues.  
• Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
• Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more.
• Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
• After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
• Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins.   If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.
• Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
• Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
• Never use a barbecue indoors.

For more information please view the outdoor safety section on the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service website.