Barbecue Fire Safety

Barbecuing is an enjoyable way to cook food during the summer. Dublin Fire Brigade want to help you stay safe and make the most of the barbecue season with some fire safety advice.

General Advice for Barbecuing

When choosing a barbecue to buy, make sure it has a CE European Safety Mark to ensure it meets expected safety standards. You should always carefully read the instructions before use too.

Once you have your barbecue set up, keep these fire safety tips in mind:

• Never use a barbecue indoors, on wooden decking or on a balcony.
• Place your barbecue on flat, level ground away from anything flammable, such as fences, sheds, trees and bushes.
• Heat rises so don't forget to look up and check for anything flammable situated above your barbecue.
• Never leave your barbecue unattended.
• Only use barbecue-approved starter fuel or firelighters to light your barbecue; never use petrol or paraffin.
• Don't forget that fat from food and oil can cause large flames.
• Have a hose, bucket of water or sand nearby in case things get out of hand.
• Always keep children and pets away from the barbecue.
• Keep alcohol to a minimum while using the barbecue.
• Don’t move the barbecue while it is lit.
• Ensure barbecue coals are fully cooled before disposing of them; you should leave them overnight.

Fire Safety Tips for Gas Barbecues

In addition to the above fire safety tips, you should keep in mind the following when using gas barbecues:

• Change the gas cylinder outdoors in a well ventilated area, making sure all the controls and valves are in the off position.
• Store gas cylinders securely outside, away from direct sunlight and frost.
• Ensure all gas joints are tightened.
• Ensure your gas barbecue has a flame failure or flame supervision device.

If you suspect that your gas barbecue has a fault, do not use it and seek advice from the manufacturer.

Fire Safety Tips for Disposable Barbecues

When using disposable barbecues, you should also keep the following advice in mind:

• Never use disposable barbecues indoors, including in tents, wooden cabins and caravans.
• Only use them in a well ventilated area, because poisonous carbon monoxide can be created when disposable barbecues are lit.
• Place your disposable barbecue on a level, non-flammable surface. Never place it on decking, wooden garden furniture, plastic furniture, glass or grass.
• Allow the barbecue to cool before moving it.

Fire Prevention in Dublin

Making Dublin safe from fires and other emergencies is at the heart of Dublin Fire Brigade's work. Through fire safety programmes, education and advice, we aim to get communities involved in the prevention of fires.

If you would like a fire officer to talk to your school, business or community, get in touch below.