BBQ tips from the real experts... the Fire Service

Tuesday 10 June 2014

Firefighters have issued some tips for eating outdoors - but they've got nothing to do with marinades, coleslaw or what to do with burnt sausages.

It’s BBQ season and they say Islanders should check their equipment before they use it - just last weekend a garden party got out of control in town when a new gas BBQ caught fire and threatened to spread to the owner’s property.

Nine firefighters were called out just before 4 pm on Saturday to find the BBQ fire was out but the cylinder was still leaking gas. They took it off the BBQ to find the regulator and valve had melted in the intense heat and it was stuck open. They moved it into a field next to the property and worked to get rid of the gas until they could hand the bottle over to Jersey Gas.

Before they had got there the owner had moved the BBQ further into the garden and away from the property putting themself at risk of the fire getting worse or worse still, the cylinder exploding.

Jersey Fire & Rescue are investigating the cause but say anyone who’s BBQ catches fire should leave it where it is, make sure everyone is away from danger and call them to get firefighters to tackle it.

They have the following tips to BBQ safely this summer:

• Make sure the controls and the gas cylinder valve are turned off before you change the cylinder.

• Make sure all joints are tightened, safe and secure. If unsure, contact Jersey Gas or the BBQ provider.

• Change the gas cylinder in the open air.

• When you have finished cooking, turn off the cylinder before the barbecue controls. This makes sure any leftover gas in the pipe is used up.

• If you think there might be a leak in the gas cylinder connections or pipe, brush soapy water over all of the joints and watch out for bubbles. If you have a leaky joint, try to tighten it (but don't over tighten it) and test for bubbles again. If unsure do not use the barbecue – seek specialist advice.