Barbecue safety

Location, Location, Location:

  • Downwind of where you plan to eat is usually best. Always consider how your neighbours might be affected by the smoke and smell.
  • Ensure that the barbecue is well away from anything that might catch fire; fences, sheds, garden furniture, and things like that – and if your home has timber cladding, keep the barbecue at least a couple of metres away.
  • If you have a balcony, please don’t use a barbecue on it; it’s too risky and could cause a fire

Preparing and using your barbecue:

  • Remove all the grease, fat, and any remaining charcoal that built up last year so it can’t cause a fire.
  • If you have a gas barbecue, check that the gas hose is still in good condition – no cracks or splits in the hose, and all connections are nice and tight.
  • Check that no insects or bugs have set up home in any of the tubes or burners.
  • If you’re using a charcoal barbecue, only use charcoal starter fluid for grilling and never add lighter fluid to hot coals.
  • For gas barbecues, open the lid before turning on the gas to prevent gas build-up.

Fire Safety:

  • Never leave a lit grill unattended.
  • Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
  • In case of a grease fire, do not use water to extinguish it, as it can cause the flames to spread. Instead, close the grill lid and turn off the gas.
  • Think carefully about where you store your charcoal or gas bottle. If you live in a block of flats, please don’t store gas or charcoal anywhere in the communal areas of your building. We advise you not to keep them in your home, particularly a gas bottle – the risk is too great.

Disposable barbecues

If you plan to use a disposable barbecue, please take great care; they can be particularly dangerous. Never use any barbecue – even disposable ones – indoors or in enclosed spaces – the fumes can kill you. If you use them outdoors, please choose a spot where the heat will not cause damage, and there’s no risk of anything else catching fire.

Here’s hoping we all have a great summer and lots of safe and enjoyable barbecues. We’ve got more fire safety tips here.


Do you think you are king or queen of the grill?

Take our short barbecue safety quiz to find out. If you enter, you could be in with a chance to win a £10 Amazon voucher. If you would like to be entered, please make sure you leave your details.

Good luck!

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Where should I set up my barbecue?

If you have a gas barbecue, what should you do before turning on the gas?

Should a barbecue be used on your balcony?

What three things should you do when having a barbecue? (please choose two options)

Where should you store your gas bottle?

What should you NOT do with a disposable barbecue?

What should you do if there is a fire in your gas barbecue?

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