Wollaton Resident Urges Caution When Using BBQ's Following Fire

A Wollaton resident wants others to be cautious when it comes to using BBQ’s this summer following a fire that occurred in the garden of her property on Sunday 13 July. 

Firefighters from Highfields and Stapleford Fire Stations attended the fire in Wollaton at 1:39pm after receiving a call from the neighbour who could see and smell smoke coming from a wheelie bin. The fire had spread from the bin to the fences in the garden, as well as damaging the outer building of the property. 

The fire was said to have started by coals from a lunchtime BBQ which hadn't cooled when they were placed in a wheelie bin on Saturday evening.

Mrs Matthews, who lives in the property with her husband, said: “Usually we don’t clean our BBQ as soon as we have used it as we like to make sure the coals have cooled down, but this time we had borrowed a BBQ therefore wanted to make sure it was clean. Before we put the coals in the bin, we did check to see if they had cooled, but they clearly weren't completely cold.

“We just wanted to send a big thank you to the team who attended the fire whilst we were out. We are usually very careful, but I think the hot weather, and the borrowed BBQ, added to the mistake being made.”

Watch Manager Kevin Tedds said: “Thankfully we got to the fire and extinguished it before it spread even further, however this incident shows you just how important it is to follow our fire safety advice. Mistakes do happen and thankfully no one was hurt, but this isn’t always the case.

“As hot coals and BBQs can stay hot for several hours, and in some cases like this one, overnight, we always recommend you leave them and don’t dispose of them until they are completely cold. We also advise that once cold, you never dispose of them in plastic bins, as this is a common cause of fire.

“Instead, let them cool in a safe, open area – ideally on a non-combustible surface – and use water to fully extinguish any remaining heat if necessary. Taking a few minutes extra to cool and dispose of BBQs safely can prevent serious fires and keep people safe.”

To ensure your coals are completely cold:

• Wait at least 48 hours before disposal if possible 
• Use a metal shovel or something similar to separate and spread the coals out in a well-ventilated, fire-safe area 
• Pour water over the coals - steam or hissing indicates heat is still present
• Carefully feel for residual warmth without using your hands directly on the coal

Once you're sure the coals are fully cooled:

• Place them in a metal container, such as an old tin or metal ash can, which is non-combustible and safe for any remaining sparks
• Do not dispose of ashes or coals in plastic wheelie bins, paper bags, or garden waste bins
• Check your local authority website 

Read more on our website about BBQ safety.