Cook with care

Every year the Brigade is called to barbecue fires, but by following a few simple fire safety rules, this situation can be avoided. London Fire Brigade's Assistant Commissioner for Community Safety Andy Barrett said: "Using petrol to light your, barbecue or leaving it unattended are two of the common mistakes people make. Unfortunately, fires caused by barbecues get out of control and can lead to a visit from local firefighters and potentially serious damage to your property. "By following a few simple common sense rules you can make sure your barbecue is a safe one." 1. Make sure your barbecue is placed on level ground where it will not tip over. 2. Keep barbecues away from the house, sheds, fences, garden furniture and overhanging trees or shrubs. Don't put the barbecue where people have to squeeze past it. 3. Only use approved barbecue fuel or fire lighters. Never use petrol or paraffin. 3. 4. Keep children and garden games well away from the cooking area. 4. 5. Never leave the barbecue unattended 5. 6. If you are the chef, don't drink too much alcohol while cooking. 6. 7. Watch out when you are cooking fatty foods. Lots of fat spilling onto the coals might make them flare up. 7. 8. When you have finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before you try to move it. 8. 9. Empty the spent ash on to bare garden soil - never put it in the dustbin. 10. If you are using a bottled gas barbecue, make sure the controls and the cylinder valve are turned off before you change the cylinder. 9. 10. 11. Change the cylinder in the open air if you can, otherwise open doors and windows to provide good ventilation. 11. 12. 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 find a leaky joint, try to tighten it but don't over tighten it. 12. 13. When you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls. This makes sure any leftover gas in the pipe is used up. 13. 14. Store your gas cylinders outside and protect from frost and direct sunlight. Don't keep more spare cylinders than you need. 14.