Barbecues (BBQs) are a fun way to cook outside but they can be dangerous and easily get out of control so it’s important to check you’ve taken the right safety measures.
Where to have a BBQ
BBQs are safest when used:
- In your garden and away from your home
- A safe distance away from anything that could catch fire (for example, garden furniture, sheds, bushes or trees)
- On a flat, solid surface that will not catch alight (for example, a stone or paving slabs)
How to have a safe BBQ
Things to avoid
- Don’t use a BBQ indoors, or on a balcony
- Never leave a BBQ unattended
- Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area
- We don’t recommend using BBQs at the beach or in the countryside – they can cause wildfires, especially in the summer months
Lighting your BBQ
- Always follow the instructions that come with your BBQ
- Never use fuel to start or revive your BBQ
- Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the BBQ, but not more, usually five centimetres, or two inches should suffice
Once your BBQ is lit
- Don’t leave your BBQ unattended
- Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area
- Have a bucket of water nearby to put the BBQ out quickly if it gets out of control
- Keep anyone who has have a few alcoholic drinks away from the BBQ
Once you’ve finished with your BBQ
Coals and BBQs can stay hot for hours after you have finished cooking. You can cool your BBQ down by using a bucket of water.
If you have used a disposable BBQ, make sure it is cooled before you attempt to move it. Do not put the BBQ or burnt charcoal in your living area, car or tent, when BBQs cool, they release carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
Always dispose of your BBQ safely and follow the instructions on the packet.
What to do if there’s a fire
If your BBQ gets out of control, call the fire service immediately by calling 999.
If your clothing catches on fire, remember:
- Stop what you are doing
- Drop to the floor
- Roll around to engulf the flames
Also in this section
Page last updated