1 July 2009

A man has been taken to hospital after being injured while lighting a barbecue yesterday afternoon. He suffered burns to his neck, chest and arms.

Firefighters were called to an address in Gaddesden Crescent, Wavendon Gate, Milton Keynes, at 5.41pm. The fire had spread to a fence before being put out.

A crew from Broughton Fire Station attended along with paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service.

Terry Ridgley, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's community safety manager, said: "It's awful that someone has been so badly injured while trying to make the most of the good weather. He's in good care and we all send him our best wishes."

Terry is urging anyone who is planning a barbecue to remember the following safety tips:

• Never use flammable liquids to light the barbecue. Prepare well in advance, using enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue - normally around five centimetres.
  
  
• Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
  
  
• Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs and garden waste.
  
  
• Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
  
  
• Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues.
  
  
• Never use a barbecue indoors.
  
  
• Never leave a barbecue unattended.
  
  
• After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
  
  
• Empty ashes on to bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins.
  
  
• Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.

Additional safety tips if you have a gas barbecue:

• Never store gas cylinders under the stairs - if there is a fire they might explode and block your escape route.
  
  
• Store gas cylinders outside, away from direct sunlight and frost.
  
  
• Take care when turning bottled gas barbecues on and off.
  
  
• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder.
  
  
• After cooking, turn the gas supply off first and then the barbecue control. This will stop any gas from leaking.
  
  
• If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas cylinder and try brushing soapy water around all joints, watching for bubbles.
  
  
• Make sure all joints are tightened, safe and secure.
  
  
• Change gas cylinders outdoors or in a well ventilated area.