Fire safety

Keeping you safe in your home is our top priority.

Here you'll find tips and advice on a range of fire safety topics. 

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Barbecues (BBQs)

Barbecues (BBQs) can be dangerous if not handled responsibly, so it's important to keep safety in mind, especially when children and pets are around.  Never use a BBQ – including disposables – indoors or on your balcony.

Five ways to stay BBQ safe:

  1. Be careful where you position your BBQ – we suggest on level ground, well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees or tents. 
  2. Don't use petrol, paraffin or any flammable liquids on your BBQ – firelighters are a much safer option. 
  3. Carefully supervise children – little ones can all too easily trip and fall, while older children might hurt themselves trying to help. 
  4. Be pet-aware – dogs (and some cats!) love to snaffle sausages and can cause accidents getting under your feet. To be really safe, keep them indoors, or at least out of the immediate vicinity of the BBQ.
  5. Never use a disposable BBQ in a public park or open green space.

BBQs can stay hot for hours, so be really careful moving them. They also give off carbon monoxide fumes for several hours after they go out, so don't bring them indoors, or into a tent, with you.

Disposable BBQs:

Disposable BBQs bring a number of risks - from grass fires to harming wildlife. Please be aware of the following:

  • When disposable BBQs are not put out properly, they can cause grass fires, especially in hot weather when the ground is dry.
  • When used on balconies, the wind may carry smouldering ash towards nearby grassland or neighbouring properties, starting a fire. Please don't use them indoors or on your balcony.
  • The ground beneath a BBQ can remain hot for hours after it's been removed, posing a risk to anyone who might walk over it.
  • These BBQs pose a threat to wildlife and the environment.