Fire pit & BBQ safety - A firefighters perspective. 

As it is coming to the Summer months and people are enjoying getting outdoors more and having picnics, BBQ's etc, we asked a firefighter for tips on how to enjoy outdoor fires and cooking safely. Crew Manager Daniel Hayes has seen many a call out where a small mistake at a home BBQ, firepit,  has escalated to the point of a fire crew being needed. Below are some things to bear in mind when preparing for your fire. 

Some of the most common issues include; 

• Positioning on dry grass or near fences. A firepit or disposable BBQ can generate enough heat underneath to ignite dry grass, decking, sheds, fences or nearby garden furniture. The heat alone is enough to start a fire even if the flames don't reach it. 
• The wind can cause small embers to blow into hedges , piles of garden clippings, flower beds, neighbouring gardens. What is a small ember can become a significant fire long after people think the fire is under control. 
• Using accelerants. Adding petrol , diesel, methylated spirits or other flammable liquids to "get the fire going" can cause sudden fireballs, serious burns and rapid fire spread. This is something the fire service unfortunately sees far too often. 
• Leaving hot ashes unattended. Many people don't realise that ashes can take 24-48 hours to cool down after it appears the fire is out. If they are placed in bins, near fences or other flammable materials they can still easily re-ignite. 
• Disposable BBQ's. The biggest cause of wildfires, these are a huge concern in warm weather. People often place them directly onto grass, picnic tables or take them to beaches and beauty spots. The heat can cause vegetation or surfaces to ignite hours after the BBQ itself has been removed. 
• Children and pets - Firepits, chimneas and BBQ's can stay hot for hours after use, curious children and pets may not realise the container itself is still hot even though the fire is no longer going. This can cause serious burns if they touch the surface. 

Top safety tips

• Place BBQ's and fire pits on a level, non combustible surface such as paving slabs or concrete. 
• Keep them well away from fences, sheds, garden furniture, overhanging trees and dry vegetation.
• Have a bucket of water, hosepipe or fire extinguisher nearby. 
• Never use petrol or other accelerants. 
• Never leave unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Fully extinguish ashes and let them fully cool before disposal.
• Avoid using firepits or BBQ's in very dry or windy conditions. 

 

We stock all you need to get your fire started safely

You can order everything you need for your outdoor fire from us separately or in the fire starter kits

Fire starter kit

Firelighters

Kindling

Hotmax heat logs

Hardwood

Softwood

Or, if it's a pizza oven you have we also sell pizza oven logs and pellets.

Last of all...

At West Coast Composting Ltd, We're all for enjoying the outdoors - whether that's gathering around a fire pit or cooking on the BBQ. We simply want everyone to do it safely, protecting your family, your home and our local countryside.  Enjoy making memories this Summer!