With hot, dry weather continuing across the East of England, it’s more important than ever to take extra care when using BBQs, fire pits and other outdoor sources of heat.

Dry grass, plants, hedges, fences and garden furniture can catch fire much more easily in these conditions, and a small fire can spread quickly. With water supplies also under pressure and Temporary Use Bans in place in some areas, preventing fires before they start is particularly important.

Here are some simple ways you can help keep yourself, your neighbours and your community safe this summer.

Barbecues

If you’re enjoying a barbecue in your garden, make sure it’s placed on a firm, level surface and well away from your home, sheds, fences, trees, shrubs and anything else that could catch fire.

• Never leave a lit barbecue unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
• Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids to light or relight a barbecue.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly when using a gas barbecue.
• Make sure charcoal and ashes are completely cool before disposing of them. Never put hot ashes into a wheelie bin or other rubbish bin.
• Make sure the barbecue is completely cool before moving it.

During particularly hot and dry weather, please think carefully about whether you need to use a barbecue at all.

Disposable barbecues can be particularly risky because they can remain hot for a long time and can easily ignite dry grass or other materials.

Fire pits

Fire pits and chimineas can look great in a garden, but they can also pose a serious fire risk when conditions are hot and dry.

If you do use one, keep it well away from buildings, fences, sheds, trees, shrubs and anything else that could catch fire. Never leave it unattended and make sure the fire is completely out before you leave it.

We also ask that fire pits, barbecues and other open fires should not be used in car parks. Smoke, flames and sparks can put neighbouring homes, vehicles, gardens and other residents at risk.

If conditions are particularly dry or windy, the safest option is not to light a fire at all.

Take extra care with gas bottles

If you have a gas barbecue, make sure your gas cylinder is stored safely when it’s not being used.

Gas cylinders should be:

• Kept outside, in a well-ventilated area.
• Stored upright and secured so they cannot fall over.
• Kept away from direct sunlight, sources of heat and anything that could ignite.
• Kept away from drains, pits or other areas where leaking gas could collect.

Never store gas cylinders under the stairs, inside your home or in an enclosed area such as an indoor cupboard. A gas cylinder involved in a fire could explode and block an escape route.

If you smell gas or think there may be a leak, don’t use the barbecue. Turn off the gas supply if it is safe to do so and keep away from sources of ignition.

Remember, water may not be readily available

With Temporary Use Bans in place in parts of the East of England, please make sure you understand the restrictions that apply to your water supply.

A hosepipe should not be relied on as your main way of dealing with a fire. The best way to stay safe is to prevent a fire from starting in the first place.

If a fire starts

If a barbecue, fire pit or other outdoor fire gets out of control, don’t put yourself at risk trying to tackle it.

Move away from the fire, warn anyone nearby and call 999 if there is a risk of the fire spreading.

A few simple precautions can make a big difference. By taking extra care with barbecues, fire pits and gas cylinders, we can all help keep our homes, gardens and communities safe this summer.

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