Fire safety outdoors - barbecues and camping

Fire safety shouldn’t stop when you leave your home. Carelessness outdoors can have fatal results. Fires can also destroy huge areas of countryside and delicate ecosystems.

Be alert to outdoor fire hazards

It is important to be aware of the fire hazards that leisure activities such as barbecues, camping and caravanning can pose. Dry ground in the summer adds to the dangers - but care should be taken at all times of the year.

Barbecue safety

To barbecue safely and avoid injuries or damage to property, follow these simple tips:

make sure your barbecue is in good working order
keep a bucket of water or sand nearby - or a garden hose - in case of emergencies
make sure your barbecue site is flat and away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs
use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 5 cms (2 inches)
never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue - use only recognised lighters or starter fuel on cold coals
keep children, garden games and pets away from the cooking area
never leave the barbecue unattended
after cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it; empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into the bin
don't leave disposable barbecues on grass or on items like wooden benches, as they remain very hot after use
never light a barbecue indoors
never light a barbecue on or over dry or dead grass or vegetation

Additional tips for gas barbecues

take particular care when turning bottled gas barbecues on and off
make sure the tap is off before changing the gas cylinder
change cylinders in the open air if possible - or open doors and windows to ensure good ventilation
when you’ve finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the barbecue controls - this ensures that any gas in the pipeline is used up

If you suspect a leak to the gas cylinder or pipework:

brush soapy water around all joints and look for bubbles
if you find a leaky joint, try to tighten it

but

be careful not to over-tighten joints

How you store the gas cylinders for your barbecue is also important. They should be kept outside, but away from direct sunlight and frost. Don’t keep more cylinders than you need and don’t store them under the stairs in your house - if you were to have a fire, the stairs are likely to be your escape route.

Camping safety

Follow these basic precautions while camping to reduce the risk of fire:

ensure that caravans and tents are at least six metres apart
make sure you know what the firefighting arrangements on the site are and where the nearest telephone is
keep a torch handy for emergencies - don’t use a lit candle

If you stay in a caravan:

fit a smoke detector
take special care when cooking - don’t leave pans unattended
keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children
if you smoke, use suitable metal ashtrays - and never smoke in bed
don’t leave children alone inside
don’t block air vents - this can be fatal
keep a fire extinguisher inside, by the door
keep gas cylinders outside your caravan
before going to bed (or leaving the caravan) turn off all appliances
never use a cooker or heater while your caravan is moving

If you suspect a gas leak:

turn off all appliances and the main cylinder valve
open all doors and windows
do not smoke or operate electrical switches

Using gas cylinders safely in caravans

You should take special care when handling gas cylinders. Follow these safety tips:

install a gas detection system, if possible
if you think there is a gas leak, turn off all appliances and the main cylinder valve – open all the doors and windows
change gas cylinders only when they are completely empty
make sure the new cylinder is secure before connecting it
when changing cylinders, make sure all cylinder valves are turned off before disconnecting
do not turn on the cylinder valves before the connection is complete
spare and empty cylinders should be kept in the open air and secured by a safety strap or other quick release device

If you stay in a tent:

never use candles in or near a tent - torches are safer
keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children
flammable liquids and gas cylinders should be kept outside the tent and away from children
oil-burning appliances shouldn’t be used in or around tents
keep cooking appliances away from the walls and roof and anywhere they can easily be knocked over - they should not be used at all in small tents
keep your cooking area clear of flammable material, including long grass
don’t smoke inside tents
have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of your tent if there is a fire
make sure everyone knows how to put out a clothing fire - read the ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ advice below

If there's a fire:

fires in tents and caravans spread very quickly - get everyone out straight away
call the fire and rescue service and give the exact location - give a map reference if possible; otherwise provide a nearby landmark, such as a farm or pub, to help them find you