Relax, unwind, and stay safe this summer
There’s nothing quite like a warm summer afternoon — friends gathered, a cold drink in hand, and the unmistakable scent of grilled food in the air. A barbecue is a classic way to enjoy the great British sunshine, but it’s not without its risks. Every year, fire services respond to hundreds of BBQ-related incidents — many of which could be avoided with a few simple precautions.
Whether you’re flipping burgers in the garden or hosting a feast for family and neighbours, keeping fire safety in mind ensures everyone stays safe and the only thing getting grilled is your food.
General BBQ Safety Tips
Before you fire up the grill, take a moment to run through these key safety checks:
- Check your BBQ is in proper working condition before use, especially if it’s been stored away over winter.
- Set it up on a level surface, far from fences, trees, sheds, or overhanging branches.
- Keep kids, pets, and garden games well away from the cooking area.
- Never leave a lit BBQ unattended, even for a short time.
- Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher within reach in case of emergency.
- Let your BBQ cool fully before attempting to move it or dispose of the ashes.
Charcoal BBQs: Safe Set-Up and Disposal
Charcoal barbecues are a favourite for that authentic smoky flavour, but they come with their own safety considerations:
- Use only enough charcoal to create a layer about 5cm deep across the base.
- Stick to recognised firelighters or starter fuel — and only use them on cold coals. Never use petrol or paraffin.
- After cooking, let ashes cool completely before disposal. Hot ash can easily reignite — never pour it into plastic bins or bags.
Gas BBQs: A Little Pressure, A Lot of Caution
Gas barbecues are convenient and easy to control, but care is still required, especially when changing cylinders:
- Always turn the gas off at the cylinder before connecting or disconnecting.
- Change cylinders outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to avoid gas build-up.
- If you think there’s a leak, brush soapy water around the joints and look for bubbles — if you see any, tighten the connections (but don’t overtighten).
- After you’ve finished cooking, turn off the gas at the bottle first, then the controls, to ensure the pipes are fully cleared.
A Few More Reminders…
- Don’t use BBQs indoors, including in tents or enclosed balconies — the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning is significant.
- If it’s windy, consider postponing your BBQ or shielding the grill — gusts can knock over lighter barbecues or blow flames out of control.
- If you’re using a disposable BBQ, place it on a non-combustible surface and allow plenty of time for it to cool before disposal.
Stay Safe with MAGG Fire Services
At MAGG Fire Services, your safety is our priority. Whether you need advice on fire prevention, risk assessments, or workplace safety planning, our team of professionals is here to help.
Want tailored support or a callback from one of our experts? Fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.
