Fire service tells public how to stay safe around barbecues after dad and daughter seriously burned

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service are advising the public on how to stay safe around barbecues, after a father and daughter suffered burns in an incident in Crawley last week.

The Service stipulates that there must be a "child-free zone" of three feet around the barbecue at all times.

"First and foremost, we'd like to express that our thoughts are very much with the two casualties involved in this incident, especially their family, friends, and loved ones."

Kate Taylor, head of education at the service, said that West Sussex Fire's thoughts are with the father and daughter involved in the incident.

Taylor went on to say that, if a barbecue does catch alight, people should leave the area and call 999 rather than trying to extinguish the fire themselves.

Taylor said: "the flapping that can happen in the event of a fire means you put yourself at risk more."

Here's a checklist of Taylor's tips for barbecue safety:

• Never use a barbecue in an enclosed space or a balcony
• If you're going to a wild or wooded area, don't use a disposable barbecue - have a picnic instead
• Make sure your barbecue is positioned well away from anything that could catch fire, such as fences, shrubs, overhanging trees and sheds
• Ensure your barbecue is on a solid, flat surface that can't catch fire - grass and decking are flammable and can stay hot even after the barbecue is put out
• Keep a hosepipe, bucket of water or watering can nearby
• Never use other flammable liquids to start or revive your barbecue - only use recognised lighter starter fuels on cold coals
• For smokers - don't flick cigarettes onto the ground
• Never leave a lit barbecue unattended
• When you're done, extinguish your barbecue fully using water, and make sure any ashes are cold before disposing of them

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