EXPLAINER: Tips for Fire Pit and BBQ safety this summer

Following on from the news over the weekend that four Munster Rugby stars were injured in a fire pit accident, we have asked the Fire Service for some safety tips this summer. 

In terms of Fire Pits and BBQs - 

Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.

Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues. Never use a barbecue indoors.

Never leave a barbecue unattended

Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognized lighters or starter fuels on cold coals.

Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.

Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches).

Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.

After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.

Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.

Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.

For Gas BBQs

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.

Longford needs to get fair share of sports funding pot

Combined investment of €7.1m for Edgeworthstown, Kenagh and Legan

Still Voices Summer Series continues with Longford's John Connell

BREAKING NEWS | Brilliant win for Edgeworthstown at the .IE Digital Town Awards 2021

Transformative Co:Worx digital hub wins €9,000 in Medium Town (2,500 – 5,000 population) category

Man found in possession of parts from stolen cars to be sentenced in Longford this week

Longford’s Super Quinn and Greene will swim for Ireland in the Tokyo Olympics

Double delight with Gerry Quinn joining Darragh Greene on the plane to Japan in July

Longford eyes are smiling this week with the brilliant news that Gerry Quinn will be joining Darragh Greene on the plane to Tokyo to compete in the Covid delayed 2020 Olympics Games that are scheduled to start on July 23.