Beware BBQ season

Halifax Home Insurance says millions of Britons are using potentially lethal accelerants to light barbecues. A shocking 1.7 million Britons have used petrol to light a barbecue, outdoor grill or chimenea. A further 4.6 million barbecue chefs have used white or metholated spirits to light their fires and over 600,000 have used perfume! 1.2 million have used aerosols, which are highly combustible and can explode if exposed to a naked flame. The use of highly combustible fuels on barbecues represents a serious health and safety risk and undoubtedly contributes to Britains estimated 1,000 uncontrollable barbecue fires each year.

Britons cause an estimated £296 million of damage to their homes and gardens as result of barbecue accidents. The average cost of damage to the home and garden caused by a barbecue accident is £148, however almost a quarter of a million (229,000) Britons have caused between £500-2500 of damage.

Vicky Emmott, senior underwriter at Halifax Home Insurance, said, "Millions of Britons risk the health and safety of themselves and their guests by using potentially lethal accelerants to light barbeques. Using petrol or white spirits to light a barbecue is extremely dangerous and could easily result in a fire that is uncontrollable. With the Met office forecasting a wet summer it is vital that people who wish to press ahead with hosting BBQs do not resort to lighting them with combustible or explosive materials."

Top tips for a safer barbecue

* Position your barbecue on firm and level ground where it will not tip over.
* Avoid locating the barbecue in windy positions.
* Allow plenty of space around the barbecue. Keep away from plants, fences or buildings.
* Only use approved barbecue fuel or firelighters to start a barbecue. Never use petrol or paraffin.
* Never leave a barbecue unattended.
* Ensure that children and pets are kept well away.
* After cooking, allow embers to cool completely before disposing of them.
* Have a fire blanket and at least one bucket of sand close by.
* If using a gas barbecue, ensure that the grill ignites immediately. If the grill fails to light at first or second attempt, turn off gas immediately and leave for a few minutes before relighting.
* Never place your barbecue indoors, even if the weather turns bad.

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