The common barbeque mistakes sparking fire incidents in West Sussex
West Sussex Fire and Rescue says small errors can lead to a big spike in incidents during the summer
As hot weather continues - West Sussex Fire and Rescue are sharing the most common mistakes we're making when having a barbeque.
It's thought lighting up next to fences or bushes, or on the beach, are some of the main culprits for an increase in incidents in the summer.
Public spaces in coastal areas - particularly near the beach - are also considered a hotspot for emergency calls.
We've been speaking to the fire service's Mike Dunham, who's shared some of the things to avoid doing to light up safely:
1. Do not relight with paraffin
"If a barbeque appears to have gone out, people are using paraffin or petrol to revive it," Mike explained.
"That'll end up flashing up with a big fireball - so we're urging people not to use flammable liquids in that way."
2. Make sure disposable barbeques are out before disposing
Mike continued: "The disposable barbeques are great, but we see a lot of them put into waste bins when the ashes are still hot and that leads to an increase in bin fires.
"We're urging people to get the bucket type - they're also better for the environment".
3. Don't light up under a gazebo, or near sheds and bushes
Mike explained that a common error includes moving a barbeque under a gazebo if the weather changes.
Instead, we should make sure we're "well away" from anything that could catch alight - and make sure it's completely cool before we move it anywhere.
4. Position of a disposable barbeque is important
"Keep it out of the wind so it's not going to blow the ash, or any flame out when you're lighting it," Mike said.
"Obviously once it's alight, don't try to move it - and if it goes out, light it again with another match."
"Take into account the temperature of the stones underneath - if you're doing a barbeque on the beach, the stones get incredibly hot, and when you take the barbeque away people won't know it was there.
He added: "Last year, the NHS did see an increase to severe burns to the soles to the feet where people are walking around.
"They usually come with a wire rack, so stand them on the rack. Then you're not going to burn holes in your laws, or public playing fields."