Barbecues and Chimineas

Each year, we attend a handful of incidents involving barbecues and chiminea that have got out of control. Unfortunately, some of these incidents have been fatal or caused serious injuries.

Make sure your barbecue site is flat and away from fences, trees and sheds.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, in case of emergencies.

Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 5cms (2 inches).

Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your fires; use only recognised lighters or starter fuel, on cold coals.

Keep children, garden games and pets away from barbecues and chimineas.

If you have a gas barbecue, make sure that it is in good working order and that the joints are safely and securely tightened.

The film below highlights the dangers of using flammable liquids to light chimineas. Trevor, from Chorley, suffered from burns injuries after trying to reignite his chiminea in 2014.