ENJOYING A FEW BBQS THIS SUMMER? READ THIS BEFORE YOU BURN MORE THAN YOUR BURGERS!
HAVING a BBQ can lead to disastrous consequences if you light them on balconies, and if they’re not properly supervised in general.
The Fire Service is warning about the consequences of lighting up BBQs in lockdown following recent incidents which threatened lives and left people homeless.
Many balconies have combustible materials as part of their construction and there are often combustible items stored in outside spaces; so, if a fire starts it can spread quickly.
Senior firefighters warn that balcony fires can be devastating as they can easily spread to adjoining properties, potentially leaving many people homeless if the fire is serious enough.
Deputy London Fire Brigade Commissioner, Richard Mills, described balcony BBQs as “a staggeringly irresponsible idea."
He said: “There are many hazards which can cause balcony fires and they have the potential to be devastating with highly damaging consequences – with a risk to life and the potential for not just you but your neighbours to lose their homes.
“We understand people want to enjoy their outside space if they have it, especially while we are spending more time at home.
“We are attending on average almost four fires on balconies every week, and that figure is likely to be much higher during warmer weather.”
Balcony safety tips to keep you and you neighbours safe
- Never barbecue on your balcony. Embers could carry and set light to your or your neighbours balcony and possessions.
- It’s better not to smoke at all, but if you do always ensure your cigarette is properly put out and never throw it over the side. It could catch light to possessions on a balcony below or next to yours.
- Try not to store combustible items on your balcony as they could catch light.
For more Muir fire safety tips, click here: www.muir.org.uk/fire-safety