But before we get carried away with the sunshine and celebrations, it’s important to focus on how to stay safe while we chill and grill.
Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service are doing their bit to ensure we stay safe with a range of top tips to make sure our plans go off without a hitch.
Mark Ledger, Policy and Strategy Manager for Prevention and Education at the fire service, is on hand with what to think about as you fire up the barbie.
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Here is what he had to say.
Setting it up: “Make sure it’s on a flat surface, if it’s a disposable barbecue make sure it’s on stones or flat bricks and away from any other combustibles or heat sources.”
How to light it: “Make sure you only use recognised lighters. Do not use petrol, petrol can have violent consequences, and pretty much can be explosive as well.”
Safety first: “Keep kids, pets and all other things that could get near the barbecue away – this includes shrubs, trees, set it up in an open space. Keep somebody on the grill at all times, never leave it unattended.
The cool down: “We need to make sure when we’re cooling it and disposing of it that we don’t just chuck it straight in the bin. Put some water on it, leave it for a while and make sure it’s fully out, make sure it’s cooled for a long time before we try and move it or before we try and put it in the bin.”
A warning: “Fires often start when heat sources go into the bin, combustibles reignite or set fire to other combustibles around them, causing a bin fire which could spread to a house or anything around it. Don’t ever use barbecues or any form of fuel-burning equipment inside tents, under covers, gazebos, anything like that where it can’t ventilate properly. Gas can build up in these areas and cause poisoning without you knowing it.”