Fire services warning to people using BBQs in Cornwall

The recent hot weather and the prospect of more to come has seen more of us decide to cook and eat outdoors.

But the dangers of not disposing of barbecues responsibly were highlighted recently when Newquay firefighters attended an incident where several disposable barbecues had been discarded whilst still hot.

Since 2020, Cornwall’s firefighters have attended 59 call outs to fire related incidents involving barbecues of all kinds.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue service Station Manager (Prevention) Scott Brown said: "It’s natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather with family and friends but if you’re using a disposable barbecue, you need to make sure it is cooled down after use and disposed of safely and considerately."

If you are planning a barbecue in a public place, ensure you are allowed to do so at that location

• Ensure that the barbecue is stable and level
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
• Do not dispose of the barbecue until completely extinguished and cold, using water or sand, as hot discarded barbecues can melt plastic bins and start fires
• Never bury a barbecue in the sand, this could cause serious injury
• Follow the Countryside Code
• Never take a smouldering barbecue into a tent or indoors as it will give off Carbon Monoxide fumes.

Scott continued: "If you’ve planned a barbecue and the weather lets you down, don’t take the barbecue indoors or into a tent.

"In recent years, some people have sadly succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning as a result."

"One of the biggest dangers is the use of flammable liquids to light the barbecue.

"There have been occasions where people have poured petrol onto the charcoal to get it going and the reaction has, not surprisingly, been violent and highly dangerous.

"Prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early.

"Most of all, enjoy yourself safely and considerately."