The increasing danger of wildfires across the UK and around the globe have been widely reported. If you type the words wildfire or disposable BBQ into a search engine there will be thousands upon thousands of results, news articles, and discussion pieces. But among the noise, what is that you actually need to know? And how can you stay safe?

The link between BBQs and wildfires

When temperatures are high for a sustained period, grass and foliage can become so dry that the smallest spark can trigger a devastating fire.

Things like discarded cigarettes and littered glass can cause unmanageable fires.

There has, however, been a bigger problem emerging over the past few years: disposable BBQs.

Their low cost, ready availability, and disposable nature, means that they are a huge contributor to wildfire incidences.

As they are low to the ground, their heat and sparks can easily pass to surrounding grass, and the tendency of people to leave them smouldering unattended once they have been used increases the risk.

The Guardian reported in 2020 that fire crews had extinguished 30 unattended barbecues from one beach in Dorset in a single night.

The risks of wildfires

There are a multitude of well-known risks with wildfires. They not only ruin wildlife habitats and destroy property, but they can also pose a serious risk to our health, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.

Property damage

Generally thought to be reserved for hotter climates such as America or Australia, the increase in wildfires in the UK have led to many considering how they protect their homes and property.

Insurers are also having to consider the risks and include them in home insurance policies.

A wildfire in Wennington, Essex, last year destroyed 17 homes, with residents still suffering with the aftermath a year later.

Wildlife destruction

The loss of precious habitats is a well-publicised negative effect of wildfires, especially across national parks and nature reserves.

In Norfolk, nature reserves lost over 100 acres of habitat as a result of wildfires in July 2022.

This can be devastating for rare species of birds and wildlife, as they struggle to survive when their habitat is gone.

Health risks

What many of us don’t realise though, is that wildfires give off harmful amounts of smoke containing a mixture of gases and particles that are detrimental to our health.

As Dr Wiseman states, common symptoms include:

It can also cause severe respiratory distress in those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

How to prevent wildfires

Wildfire prevention generally involves a fair amount of common sense. Dispose of cigarettes, BBQs, and other lit objects correctly, be aware of your surroundings, and keep any activities under control.

For disposable BBQs, it is important to use it in a raised position and away from combustible materials. Many parks and outdoor spaces, such as Rutland Water, now have designated BBQ areas with raised platforms for disposable BBQs to be used safely. You should also wait for the flames to die down before introducing food to it, and let it cool for several hours before safely disposing of it.

It is also advisable to take small pieces of firefighting equipment with you or have it easily accessible in your car should the worst happen.

Small fire extinguishers can provide peace of mind that you would have options if a fire was to break out and would help to potentially put out a fire before it turned into an uncontrollable blaze.

 

The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers and the Kitchen Stove Guard.  For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

The increasing danger of wildfires across the UK and around the globe have been widely reported. If you type the words wildfire or disposable BBQ into a search engine there […]

Student fire safety week highlights both the risks and innovations in the student housing sector. For many, going to college, university, or placements will be the first time they live away from home. For others, it will mean that it’s the first time they have their own space to cook, live, and meet new friends. These experiences are valuable, but it is important to keep students safe while they explore life in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)

The Student and PBSA Boom

Despite the recent changes to student loan rules, the number of people applying to, and attending, universities continue to rise.

Leading property agents Savills have published an article examining the rise of students and the demand for PBSAs. They have highlighted UCAS predictions that foresee the number of university applicants rising to 1 million a year by 2030.

Pair this with the reduction of HMOs and private rentals available to students, and many are now looking to purpose-built student accommodation for housing.

This has prompted investment in PBSAs from property investors around the world.

Student Fire Safety

There are many fire risks associated with PBSAs and students.

They range from the general home fire risks, such as leaving appliances on, overloading plug sockets, and leaving food cooking unattended, to more specific factors such as post-night out cooking and lighting candles under the influence of alcohol.

Research from Energy Manager Magazine found that 15% of students admit to having fallen asleep while cooking – as an ex-student myself, I would guess the actual number is much higher than we’d like to think!

There is also a risk in the proximity of PBSAs and other apartment buildings. If a fire does breakout, for example, in the kitchen, this can easily spread to other rooms, flats, and floors.

Innovations and Safety Measures

There are many ways that PBSA and rented accommodation owners can protect their tenants and property from the risk of fire.

Student fire safety has, and always will be, a great concern for students, property owners, and families, and this is reflected in the stringent regulations for landlords.

As a result, in student accommodation you should readily find fire extinguishers, fire blankets, fire doors, fire alarm systems, and more.

Recent innovations in the fire industry have also given students and landlords greater peace of mind.

The development of Kitchen StoveGuard technology provides superior protection for avoiding fires before they even begin. The device detects increasing temperatures on electric hobs and can shut down the power once the preset temperature is reached and well before a fire becomes imminent.

These student fire safety measures all contribute to the safety of the buildings and help to tackle the common accidents that many experience.

To read more about PBSAs and case studies where the kitchen Stove Guard has been successfully specified and installed, head to the website here.

The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers and the Kitchen Stove Guard.  For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.

 

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Student fire safety week highlights both the risks and innovations in the student housing sector. For many, going to college, university, or placements will be the first time they live […]

BBQs are a mainstay of British summertime. Even when the weather is terrible, you’d be able to find a family huddled under a gazebo enjoying a burger or two and complaining about the rain (that’s probably happened more often than we’d like to admit with the weather we’ve had this summer!). But come rain or shine, the great British barbecue can bring joy to any day – until disaster strikes. BBQs create a unique risk in our properties but, when managed correctly, with the right safety measures in place, BBQ fire risks can be managed. We’ve put a handy guide together for you to understand the different types of BBQ and their fire risks.

Different types of BBQ

To help put this article together, we did a bit of research into the most recognisable and common types of household BBQ. They were:

Technically a pizza oven is not a BBQ, but in the interest of being thorough, and with the rise in popularity of them recently, we thought it would be helpful to include them!

BBQ Fire Risks

It is well known that BBQs pose a fire risk to humans, animals, and property.

The Home Office published a report on all accidental fires attended in September 2022 exploring fires attended by FRSs in England between April 2021 and March 2022 and detailed that 259 were caused by barbecues.

While this is probably just a fraction of the BBQ fires that probably happened in that year – as many would be unreported or put out by the owner – it shows that BBQ fires aren’t as rare as you’d think.

To help people stay safe while using their BBQs we have collated a guide of different types of BBQs and the fire risks associated with them.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into it!

Charcoal BBQs

Why Choose a Charcoal BBQ?

Charcoal BBQs are known for giving an authentic BBQ taste. They work using bags of charcoal, which you add to your barbecue before cooking.

They are praised for being:

Charcoal BBQ Fire Risks

These BBQs use charcoal to produce the heat and cook food. The dangers here can be before, during and after cooking.

Lighter fluids used to light the charcoal can be dangerous, while grease and fat dripping on the coals during cooking can cause flare ups.

You also cannot “turn off” the coals after cooking, they need to be left to cool before being disposed of, otherwise they can cause fires through the residual heat.

Gas BBQs

Why Choose a Gas BBQ?

Convenient and quick to heat up, gas BBQs offer the ease that most people are looking for. They don’t require the long slow barbecuing that people generally associate with charcoal BBQs.

They are also known for providing direct and consistent heat, allowing the user to change the temperature accurately and easily.

Gas BBQ Fire Risks

Gas BBQs have the same associated risks as with other gas-fired appliances. They generally require a cylinder of gas and it is important to look after them properly.

You should:

Grease, dirt, and spiders can also collect in the BBQ and gas cylinder valves which obstruct gas flow and can cause ‘flashback’ fires. It is essential to keep it clean and have home firefighting equipment available in case of emergency.

Electric BBQs

Why Choose an Electric BBQ?

Electric BBQs have seen growing popularity in the past couple of years. They are renowned for being portable, convenient, controllable, and, generally, safer.

They are commonly cheaper than other types of BBQs and don’t require the purchase of fuels such as gas or charcoal.

Electric BBQ Fire Risks

However, the benefits of being portable and not requiring added fuel are what pose the greatest risk for users. Lithium-ion batteries, that are used to power many electric BBQs with the ability to be portable, can react badly to overheating, misuse or damage, whether accidental or not.

Puncturing, impacts, and overcharging can all lead to a process called ‘thermal runaway’ which can cause the battery to explode!

Wood-Fired BBQs & Fire Pits

Why Choose a Wood-Fired BBQ or Fire Pit?

Wood-fired BBQs and fire pits can be used as a feature in your garden, as well as a method of cooking. They are generally seen as an item of quality, fitting a certain aesthetic while cooking food in a more traditional way.

They can come in many shapes and sizes and provide a multitude of benefits.

Wood-Fired BBQ & Fire Pit Fire Risks

The obvious danger with these is that they are generally open to the elements and use wood which is less easily controlled. The use of fire aids can be difficult to control, and the danger of catching items such as clothing, material, or hair, in the fire and spreading it is increased.

Portable & Disposable BBQs

Why Choose a Portable or Disposable BBQ?

Portable and disposable BBQs can be highly convenient when travelling, on a sunny day, or as a treat. They require less upkeep, storage, and expense.

Portable & Disposable BBQ Fire Risks

The dangers of portable and disposable BBQs are widely known. They have been linked to wildfires across the world with some supermarkets across the UK withdrawing them from sale.

When correctly used, they can be a great addition to a day, however, they can easily cause fires from spilt fuel sources, improper disposal, or careless use.

Pizza Oven

Why Choose a Pizza Oven?

Pizza ovens have become a staple for many with the emergence of affordable, portable models. They are convenient and easy to use, giving the user access to high quality pizzas in their own home. With little upkeep and maintenance needed, they provide a little luxury at a reasonable price.

Pizza Oven Fire Risks

Pizza ovens are generally compact and use gas to get to incredibly high temperatures, cooking pizzas quickly and efficiently.

The gas canisters pose the same risks as detailed in the gas BBQs section and the high temperatures mean that there is a risk of materials, that come into contact with the oven, igniting.

There’s a lot of information to know about BBQs and keeping your home and loved ones safe from fire, if you want to know more about how you fight the fires, should they happen, head to familyfiresafety.com

The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers.  For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

BBQs are a mainstay of British summertime. Even when the weather is terrible, you’d be able to find a family huddled under a gazebo enjoying a burger or two and […]

Trying to keep employees, visitors, and workers safe is both a legal and moral obligation for business owners, health and safety officers, and the dedicated ‘responsible person’. But workplace fire safety can be a confusing issue! Different regulations, options, and innovations can be hard to keep on top of. We’re here to help, with the essentials you need to keep your workplace fire safe.

Workplace Fire Safety Essentials

There are, of course, different requirements and suitable equipment for each industry. A qualified fire risk assessor can help you establish the risks of your workplace and provide advice on how to combat these risks.

There are some key essentials that every workplace needs, regardless of whether it is an office, warehouse, factory, or public building, though.

We’re going to focus on these workplace fire safety essentials in this blog but you can find out more about your industry specifically on the Firechief website.

Relevant Fire Extinguishers

Every workspace needs at least one fire extinguisher.

The number and different types of extinguishers required will depend on the size of your premises and the fire risks related to your office, factory, or warehouse.

There are lots of fire extinguisher options out there: foam, powder, CO2, wet chem, PFAS free foam, water, water mist…and that’s before you start factoring in the difference in sizes!

Thankfully we have a useful blog that details which fire extinguisher/s are needed for each type of fire. From this, you’ll be able to judge which would best suit your workplace and the specific fire risks.

A quick round up is as follows:

  1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguisher: Ideal for all electrical risks and where oils and spirits etc are in use as it is harmless to delicate equipment and materials.
  2. Foam Fire Extinguisher: A good solution for multi-risk usage.
  3. Wet Chemical Extinguisher:Will cool burning oils and reduce re-ignition of the flames.
  4. Water Fire Extinguisher: A well performing, multiple purpose extinguisher.
  5. Water Additive Fire Extinguisher: Contains a powerful 'EcoSpray' additive and works well where manual handling restrictions apply.
  6. Powder Fire Extinguisher: Can tackle most fires which involve wood, paper, flammable liquids and electrics. Powder Fire extinguishers can also be used on vehicle fires and can be stored in cars or commercial vehicles.

Lithium-ion Battery Fire Fighting Products

Lithium-ion batteries power a vast range of devices we use daily, from smartphones and laptops to power tools and electric vehicles. While these batteries offer convenience and efficiency, they also carry a potential risk of fire when overcharged, improperly stored, or damaged.

A single battery malfunction can quickly escalate into a devastating fire, putting lives at risk and causing irreparable damage to your business.

There are multiple products that can help reduce the risk of battery fires, such as storage bags, and suppression granules, and products that can help fight the fires once they’ve started.

To find out more, there is a wealth of knowledge on batteryfiresafety.co.uk.

Fire Blankets

The majority of workplaces have a kitchen or canteen area.

No kitchen area is complete without a fire blanket to smother flames should the need arise.

But not just used for kitchens, fire blankets can also be used to smother flames on a person, for instance, when their clothes have caught fire.

A fire blanket is an adaptable and flexible piece of fire-fighting equipment.  Available in a range of sizes and in either a hard or soft case, the blanket is accessed simply by pulling on the Velcro strips.

To learn about all things fire blankets, check out this blog.

Fire Alarm Systems

Fire alarms are essential for every building in a business and should be tested weekly.

There are a wide range of fire alarm systems out there with both battery and mains power operation.

Visual alarms are also extremely useful for warehouses and factories as they offer a dual warning with the use of red LED technology as well as an audible alarm to draw the attention of all employees in its range.

The many options available can be confusing, we have a quick guide to commercial fire alarm systems here to help.

Fire Exit Signs

Fire exit signs are essential for all businesses to guide users to the correct exit.

Panic, and the instinct to use the usual exit when the fire alarm sounds, can lead to awful consequences. Minimise these risks as much as possible with clear, easy-to-follow signage which can direct people to the safest route.

You can get emergency exit boxes and exit hanging signs which use long-life LEDs for maximum durability. There are many options to suit every workplace.

A comprehensive guide to fire safety signs can be found here.

Emergency Lighting

During a fire, there is an increased risk of the main power supply cutting out.

Emergency lighting can be crucial for employees and customers to exit the building safely.

But the function of emergency lighting is not to illuminate a building when the power goes out. The role of emergency lighting is to illuminate key areas that are required in an emergency.

There are lots of options to choose from. Some can operate in emergency mode for up to 3 hours, or maybe more in some cases!

You can read this blog for more information on this important subject.

Fire Safety Logbooks and Cabinets

Each workplace has essential documentation relating to fire safety that should be kept secure.

It is crucial to keep all documents that a fire officer would need, such as Fire Safety Logbooks, fire equipment maintenance records, and plans relating to the building, in a safe place.

Logbooks and lockable fire safety document storage cabinets can be bought online or in stores to ensure that all your information is in one place.

Not convinced? Read our full blog here.

First Aid Kits

Accidents of all kinds occur, and having a first aid kit with all its contents intact is essential.

Over the years, various bits and pieces may have been used but not replaced.

However, you are also accountable for replacing expired or used products. So make sure you regularly note what is missing to ensure that your business is prepared for any accident!

Useful Workplace Fire Safety Resources

  1. Fire safety in the workplace – Gov.uk
  2. Firechief – I need to protect…
  3. Fire Extinguishers – Types & Uses
  4. Firechief Lith-ex Extinguisher - Video
  5. Lithium-ion battery fire suppression granules for the workplace
  6. Fire Blankets – What you need to know
  7. Why is emergency lighting important?
  8. The 5 biggest workplace fire hazards – IFSEC Insider
  9. A quick guide to commercial fire alarm systems
  10. Fire safety signs – clearing the confusion
  11. Why you should consider using fire logbooks and document cabinets

Fire Depot has been the UK's favourite fire safety supplier for over 50 years, we know the fire protection and prevention business inside out. Our experienced team can offer advice and guidance about any of our fire safety products. For expert help and advice, please contact the Fire Depot team on 0330 999 2233, email us at sales@firedepot.co.uk or visit https://www.firedepot.co.uk/ to see our full range of fire safety products. 

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

Trying to keep employees, visitors, and workers safe is both a legal and moral obligation for business owners, health and safety officers, and the dedicated ‘responsible person’. But workplace fire […]

Tradespeople, such as locksmiths, electricians, and builders, face many fire risks throughout their work but a shocking statistic from an IronmongeryDirect study looking at fire safety for tradespeople shows that 85% of tradespeople wouldn’t know what to do in the event of a fire at work.

On top of this, only 12% of workers have access to a fire extinguisher at all times and 85% do not have one in their vehicle at all.

Fire Safety for Tradespeople

As detailed in the ‘Protect My’ section of the Firechief website, each industry and trade has its own specific set of challenges when it come to fire safety and prevention.

A thorough risk assessment needs to be undertaken for each workplace, as the Fire Industry Association CEO, Ian Moore, points out: “A fire risk assessment should determine, through thorough inspection, any potential risks or hazards so that they may be resolved.”

Whether part of a large business or a sole trader, each and every tradesperson should be aware of the risks they face every day and have some knowledge and training in fire safety and actions to take should a fire ever break out.

Fire Risks in the Workplace

There are a multitude of risks associated with the construction industry and trades. Fire risks in the workplace are often overlooked even though they can be deadly.

Electrical equipment powered by Lithium-ion batteries, such as mobile devices, laptops, and tools, present a unique risk (you can read more about it here.)

EduCare also point out that dust can also be a cause of fire in the workplace, with wood and plastic build-up able to cause equipment breakdown or failure.

Hot work such as flame cutting, welding, grinding, soldering, or paint stripping also all pose fire risks.

Other fire risks in these environments can include processes using flammable substances; faulty electrical apparatus or machinery; faulty or unattended equipment in portacabin kitchenettes and tea rooms and carelessly discarded smoking materials coming into contact with flammable items.

Staying safe in the Workplace

The survey found that 86% of tradespeople wouldn’t know the difference between electrical, gas, or chemical fires. This knowledge is crucial in knowing how to effectively fight a blaze so educating yourself or others in the differences and how to fight them is essential (you can find our handy blog here!)

The main advice given by IronmongeryDirect following the survey is to:

Liked this blog? You might find some of these helpful:

How to use an extinguisher safely and effectively

Firechief hot work kit

What is a fire risk assessment

5 common mistakes when putting out a fire

How to mitigate the risk of a lithium-ion battery fire

Lithium-ion battery fire suppression granules for the workplace

“Over a third of businesses do not have suitable fire risk assessments in place,” new survey finds

Fire Depot has been the UK's favourite fire safety supplier for over 50 years, we know the fire protection and prevention business inside out. Our experienced team can offer advice and guidance about any of our fire safety products. For expert help and advice, please contact the Fire Depot team on 0330 999 2233, email us at sales@firedepot.co.uk or visit https://www.firedepot.co.uk/ to see our full range of fire safety products.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.[related_products is_auto_added="1"]

Tradespeople, such as locksmiths, electricians, and builders, face many fire risks throughout their work but a shocking statistic from an IronmongeryDirect study looking at fire safety for tradespeople shows that […]

How to use a fire extinguisher

Should the situation arise where you are faced with a fire,  the fear can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to think straight - all that is at the front of the mind is how to stop the spread of the fire. Fire extinguishers are actually easy to use but it is crucial to learn the proper, effective and safe way to extinguish a fire.

The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers for your home and leisure time.  For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.

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How to use a fire extinguisher Should the situation arise where you are faced with a fire,  the fear can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to think straight […]