Tag Archive for: fire

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: How to Stay Safe

Lithium-ion batteries have become part of everyday life. They power our phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, and countless other devices that make modern life more convenient.

Most of the time, they are perfectly safe.

However, when something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe. Fire and rescue services across the UK are responding to an increasing number of lithium-ion battery fires each year, particularly those involving e-bikes and e-scooters. These fires develop rapidly, burn at extremely high temperatures, and can cause significant damage to homes and commercial properties.

Understanding the risks is the first step towards preventing them.

Where Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Found?

Many people only think about the battery in their mobile phone, but lithium-ion batteries are now found in a wide range of products.

Common examples include:

  • Mobile phones
  • Tablets
  • Laptops
  • Smart watches
  • Power banks
  • Cordless vacuum cleaners
  • Cordless power tools
  • E-bikes
  • E-scooters
  • Electric wheelchairs
  • Garden equipment
  • Drones
  • Cameras
  • Electric vehicles

Many homes and businesses now have dozens of lithium-ion batteries charging every day without giving them a second thought.

Why Are Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Different?

Unlike many other types of fire, lithium-ion battery fires generate their own fuel as they develop.

When a battery becomes damaged or overheats, it can enter a state known as thermal runaway.

This is a rapid chain reaction inside the battery. Heat causes the internal components to break down. As they do so, they release more heat, which causes further breakdown.

The process accelerates quickly.

Some lithium-ion battery fires can exceed temperatures of 1,000°C, making them extremely difficult to control.

Unlike many fires, they can continue burning because chemical reactions inside the battery release oxygen. This means the fire does not rely entirely on oxygen from the surrounding air to sustain itself.

What Causes Lithium-Ion Battery Fires?

Several factors can trigger thermal runaway.

These include:

  • Physical damage after being dropped
  • Punctures or crushing
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Overcharging
  • Using incompatible chargers
  • Poor-quality replacement batteries
  • Exposure to excessive heat

In many cases, the warning signs appear before the fire starts.

Signs a Battery Could Be Failing

It is worth paying attention if a battery starts behaving differently.

Warning signs include:

  • Swelling or bulging
  • Excessive heat while charging
  • Strange smells
  • Hissing or popping noises
  • Smoke
  • Leaking fluid
  • Reduced battery performance

If you notice any of these signs, stop using the device immediately and move it to a safe location if it is safe to do so.

Never continue charging a damaged battery.

Why Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Are So Dangerous

The flames themselves are only part of the risk.

These fires can produce toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and hydrogen fluoride, which pose serious health hazards.

They can also reignite. Even after the visible flames have been extinguished, heat trapped within the damaged battery can trigger another fire hours later.

This is one reason why professional assessment following a lithium-ion battery fire is so important.

How to Reduce the Risk

While lithium-ion batteries cannot be made completely risk-free, simple precautions significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire.

Use the Correct Charger

Always use the charger supplied by the manufacturer or one specifically approved for the device.

Cheap, untested chargers may not regulate power correctly.

Avoid Overcharging

Unplug devices once they are fully charged where possible.

Avoid leaving batteries charging overnight unless the manufacturer specifically states this is safe.

Charge in a Safe Location

Keep charging devices away from escape routes, soft furnishings, combustible materials, and direct sunlight.

Avoid charging e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways or near front doors, where they could block an escape route if a fire starts.

Protect Batteries from Damage

Dropping a battery-powered device does not always cause immediate failure.

Damage inside the battery may not become obvious until later.

If a battery has suffered a significant impact, inspect it carefully before continuing to use it.

Buy Quality Products

Choose products that meet recognised UK safety standards.

Counterfeit batteries and chargers often lack the protection systems found in genuine products.

What Should You Do If a Battery Starts Smoking?

If a battery begins smoking, hissing, or catching fire:

  • Move away immediately if it is safe to do so.
  • Evacuate the building if necessary.
  • Call 999.
  • Do not attempt to dismantle the battery.
  • Warn others to stay clear of the area.

Do not assume the danger has passed once the flames are out. Lithium-ion batteries can reignite without warning.

Fire Damage Doesn’t End When the Fire Is Out

A lithium-ion battery fire can cause extensive damage in a short space of time.

Smoke and soot spread rapidly throughout a property. The heat generated can damage nearby materials, while firefighting efforts often cause significant water damage.

Professional restoration helps address these issues, including smoke contamination, water damage, odour removal, structural drying, and cleaning affected areas.

How ServiceMaster Restore Can Help

If your home or business has been affected by a lithium-ion battery fire, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help.

Our experienced restoration teams respond quickly to assess the full extent of the damage, including fire, smoke, soot, and water damage caused during firefighting efforts. We use specialist equipment to clean, deodorise, dry, and restore affected areas, helping to prevent secondary damage and return your property to a safe condition as quickly as possible.

We also work closely with homeowners, businesses, insurers, brokers, and loss adjustors, providing clear communication and expert support throughout the restoration process.

If your property has been affected by fire damage, call 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help.

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How Changing Weather Patterns Are Increasing Summer Fire Risks Across the UK

For many years, fire risk in the UK was largely associated with accidents inside buildings. Electrical faults, cooking incidents, and heating appliances were often the main causes of concern.

Longer dry spells, higher temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events are creating new fire risks across the country. From garden barbecues and dry grass to commercial waste storage and woodland areas, the conditions that allow fires to start and spread are becoming more common.

While the UK may not experience the same wildfire conditions as some parts of Europe, recent summers have shown that fires can spread surprisingly quickly when weather conditions are right.

Why Summer Fire Risks Are Increasing

The UK’s weather is becoming less predictable.

Many areas are experiencing:

  • Longer dry spells
  • Higher average summer temperatures
  • More frequent heatwaves
  • Drier vegetation and grassland

When plants, grass, hedges, and woodland become dry, they ignite easily.

A single spark can sometimes be enough.

This does not mean every hot day creates a fire risk, but it does mean that homeowners, businesses, and land managers need to be more aware of the changing conditions around them.

Garden Fire Risks During Summer

For many people, summer means spending more time outdoors.

Barbecues, fire pits, outdoor cooking equipment, and garden parties become more common.

Unfortunately, these activities can also increase the risk of fire.

Common causes of garden fires include:

  • Disposable barbecues placed on grass
  • Barbecues positioned too close to fences or sheds
  • Fire pits left unattended
  • Hot ashes disposed of too soon
  • Outdoor electrical equipment overheating

Most garden fires start small. However, dry conditions allow them to spread much faster than expected.

The Growing Risk of Grass and Wildfires

Dry grass can become highly flammable during periods of hot weather.

Parks, fields, roadside verges, and woodlands may all be affected.

Many grass fires begin accidentally through:

  • Discarded cigarettes
  • Disposable barbecues
  • Glass bottles left in direct sunlight
  • Machinery and equipment that produce sparks

Once a fire takes hold, wind can spread it rapidly across large areas.

In recent years, several parts of the UK have experienced significant wildfires that threatened homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

Commercial Properties Face Risks Too

Summer fire risks are not limited to residential properties.

Commercial sites often have external areas that become vulnerable in hot weather.

Facilities managers and business owners should pay particular attention to:

  • Waste storage compounds
  • Pallet storage areas
  • Smoking shelters
  • Loading bays
  • Outdoor plant and machinery

Dry cardboard, timber, packaging materials, and vegetation can all provide fuel for fire.

Regular inspections are especially important during periods of warm weather.

How Small Fires Become Major Incidents

One of the most dangerous assumptions people make is that a small fire will remain small.

In dry conditions, this is not always the case.

A barbecue ember can ignite grass.

A grass fire can spread to fencing.

A fence fire can reach sheds, vehicles, or buildings.

The speed at which fire spreads often surprises people.

This is why early detection and prompt action are so important.

Protecting Your Property During Summer

Fortunately, several simple steps can reduce fire risk.

For homeowners:

  • Position barbecues away from buildings and fences
  • Never leave cooking equipment unattended
  • Keep gardens clear of excessive dry vegetation
  • Dispose of ashes safely
  • Test smoke alarms regularly

For businesses:

  • Remove combustible waste regularly
  • Maintain external areas
  • Review fire risk assessments during hot weather
  • Inspect outdoor storage areas
  • Ensure staff understand emergency procedures

Small preventive measures can make a significant difference.

Fire Damage Doesn’t End When the Flames Are Out

When a fire is extinguished, the visible flames may be gone, but damage often persists.

Smoke can spread throughout a property.

Soot can contaminate surfaces, furnishings, and equipment.

Water used to fight the fire can cause secondary damage and increase the risk of mould if not dealt with promptly.

The full impact of a fire is often much greater than people initially realise.

How ServiceMaster Restore Can Help

ServiceMaster Restore provides professional fire and smoke damage restoration services throughout the UK.

Our teams respond promptly to assess damage, remove smoke and soot, carry out specialist cleaning, and restore affected properties after a fire.

We work with homeowners, businesses, insurers, and loss adjusters to help properties recover as quickly as possible.

If your property has been affected by fire, call 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today.

8 Fire Safety Tips For Shared Stairwells in Housing Association Buildings

ServiceMaster Restore’s top fire safety tips for shared stairwells in housing association buildings.

Shared stairwells are crucial in housing association buildings. They are not merely walkways but serve as essential escape routes. In a fire, these spaces can either save lives or pose risks, depending on their use and upkeep.

Fire safety in shared stairwells relies on simple habits, clearly defined responsibilities, and consistent maintenance.

1. Why shared stairwells matter in a fire

In most housing association blocks, stairwells serve as the primary escape route during an emergency. Residents depend on them to evacuate quickly and safely.

If stairwells are blocked, cluttered, or poorly maintained, evacuation becomes more difficult. Smoke spreads more quickly. Visibility decreases. Panic rises.

A clear stairwell gives people time and space when they need it most.

2. Keep stairwells clear at all times

This is the most important rule.

Avoid storing items in shared stairwells, such as bikes, pushchairs, mobility scooters, furniture, boxes, or rubbish bags. Even small objects can cause tripping hazards or hinder evacuation efforts.

Clutter also fuels fires. Cardboard, fabrics, and plastics burn rapidly and produce thick smoke.

Stairwells must remain clear at all times, even when storage space inside flats seems limited.

3. Prevent smoke and fire spread

Fire doors in stairwells serve a purpose. They help to slow the spread of fire and smoke, thereby protecting escape routes.

Do not wedge fire doors open. Do not tamper with door closers. If a door does not close properly, report it as soon as possible.

Smoke seals and door frames must stay intact. Damage diminishes their ability to contain smoke.

4. Lighting and visibility

Good lighting aids people’s safe movement, particularly in emergencies.

Report broken lights immediately. Emergency lighting must be tested and maintained by the housing association or building manager.

Visibility also relies on clean floors, walls, and handrails. Dirt, smoke stains, or damage can make stairwells more difficult to navigate.

5. Avoid fire risks in shared areas

Never smoke in shared stairwells. Do not leave candles, portable heaters, or electrical devices in communal areas.

Electrical cupboards and meter areas should remain shut and secured. Do not tamper with wiring or equipment.

If you notice exposed wiring, damaged cables, or signs of overheating, report them immediately.

6. Resident responsibilities

Fire safety is not solely the responsibility of the housing association; residents also have a vital role.

If you notice blocked exits, fire doors wedged open, damaged flooring or rubbish left behind, report it to the building manager or housing association.

Fire safety is most effective when everyone shares responsibility, not only during inspections.

7. Why regular cleaning supports fire safety

Clean stairwells are safer stairwells.

Dust, debris, and litter raise slip hazards and can fuel fires. Regular professional cleaning keeps floors clear, signs visible, and handrails safe to use.

It also helps issues stand out earlier, such as damage, obstructions, or misuse of shared spaces.

8. Fire safety relies on everyday actions

Fire safety in shared stairwells relies on consistency, not major changes.

To summarise, ensure escape routes are clear, keep fire doors closed, maintain good lighting, keep spaces clean and well-maintained, and report issues promptly.

These everyday actions protect residents, visitors, and emergency services.

What to Do After Fire or Smoke Damage in Winter

Fire and smoke damage can be distressing at any time of year. During winter, it becomes even more difficult to manage. Cold weather, restricted ventilation, and extended drying times all contribute to the difficulty. Knowing what steps to take after a fire helps safeguard your property and prevents further damage.

The most important thing is to act quickly, but safely.

Step 1: Make Sure the Property Is Safe

Do not re-enter the property until the fire service declares it safe. Fire can weaken floors, ceilings, and walls. Even small fires may cause hidden structural damage.

If you smell gas or see damaged electrical wiring, stay outside and contact the relevant emergency service.

Step 2: Limit Further Damage

Once it is safe, take steps to prevent further damage.

  • Ventilate the property where possible by opening windows and doors briefly to release smoke odours.
  • Cover damaged areas if the weather permits.
  • Remove unaffected belongings from smoky rooms.
  • In winter, avoid leaving windows open for extended periods, as cold air slows drying and increases condensation.

Step 3: Avoid DIY Cleaning

Smoke residue and soot spread easily. Wiping surfaces without the proper products can push soot further into materials and cause stains to become permanent.

Soot contains dangerous particles. Inhaling them can irritate the lungs and eyes. Professional fire and smoke damage cleaning removes contamination safely and effectively.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurer Early

Notify your insurer promptly. Take photographs of all visible damage and record what has been affected. Do not dispose of any items until they have been inspected.

Your insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to assess the damage and advise on next steps.

Step 5: Start the Restoration Process

Fire damage restoration during winter takes longer. Cold air hampers drying, and smoke odours persist. Specialist equipment is required to clean, dry, and deodorise affected areas.

Professional restoration helps prevent long-term problems like corrosion, staining, and mould growth.

Why Winter Makes Fire and Smoke Damage Worse

In colder months, properties remain closed. Smoke particles settle further into soft furnishings, walls, and insulation. Moisture from firefighting can freeze or cause condensation, resulting in secondary water damage.

This makes prompt, professional intervention essential.

When to Get Professional Help

If your property has experienced fire or smoke damage in winter or at any time of year, expert support is essential. Proper cleaning, drying, and deodorising help protect both the building and the health of those living or working there. ServiceMaster Restore offers fire and smoke damage restoration nationwide in the UK.

Our teams work throughout the year and are familiar with the challenges brought by winter conditions.

If you need help after a fire, call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help today.

Bonfire Night safety tips

How to have a safe bonfire night.

It’s vital to know Bonfire Night safety tips before enjoying the celebrations.

Read on for some helpful Bonfire Night safety tips to keep you, your family and friends safe this Bonfire Night.

Did you know that the Fire Brigade attends thousands of out-of-control bonfires each year?

Help to keep the Fire Brigade accessible for fires that can’t be prevented by following these simple Bonfire Night safety tips:

Bonfire Safety Tips

  • Check there is no wildlife or pets where you build your bonfire
  • Build your bonfire clear away from buildings, sheds, fences and hedges
  • Don’t light your bonfire with flammable liquids
  • Don’t burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, batteries or foam-filled furniture
  • Always have clear access to plenty of water in case you need to use it (buckets/hose pipe)
  • Never leave a bonfire unattended, and ensure it is damped out when finished

To prevent smoke from entering your home, ensure that windows are closed and doors are shut.

Any clothing worn for the bonfire should ideally be washed quickly to avoid the smell entering your home.

Need smoke or fire and smoke restoration?

Call emergency services immediately if you are unfortunate enough to be impacted by a spreading bonfire.

Our fire and smoke damage restoration experts at ServiceMaster Restore can help with the aftermath and restoration.

For 24/7 professional fire and smoke restoration services, call 0845 762 6828

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How to Get Smoke Smell Out of House After a Fire

Eliminating the lingering effects of smoke damage with tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore.

Going through a fire is stressful. Fires can cause extensive damage throughout your home or property, which requires the help of professionals to restore.

In addition to repairing items burnt, soot-covered, or damaged by water from firefighting efforts, there’s also the question of how to remove the smoke smell from the house. The smell of soot or smoke can linger well after a fire, causing unwanted discomfort or damage to you and your family.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through removing smoke odours from your home. We’ve included immediate steps, deep cleaning suggestions, and odour-neutralisation recommendations.

4 Immediate Steps to Get Rid of Fire Smoke Smell

  1. Ensure the Fire is Completely Extinguished: This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Never attempt to clean or ventilate until you’re sure the fire is out and any investigations are complete.
  2. Ventilate (When Safe): Once it’s safe, open windows and doors to circulate fresh air. Use fans to exhaust smoky air outwards, not just within the house.
  3. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
  4. Assess the Damage: Carefully evaluate the extent of the smoke damage. This will help determine whether you can handle the cleanup or need professional smoke odour cleaning.

How to Clean and Deodorise to Remove Smoke Smell

Essentially, everything in a home affected by fire smoke needs to be cleaned.

Some items may only require thorough airing to remove the smoke smell. However, most items, such as carpeting, rugs, curtains, upholstery, and clothing, will need a thorough cleaning and possible sanitisation.

While special tools and techniques used by professionals will be more effective, you can still take some steps to mitigate the damage caused by the smoke odour from items.

We’ll break it down by material type:

Cleaning Fabrics (Clothing, Bedding, Curtains, etc.)

  • Wash Everything Washable. Use a high-quality detergent and add a laundry booster designed for odour removal. Don’t forget often-overlooked items like pet bedding, stuffed animals, and even decorative pillows.
  • Dry Clean Delicate Items. Take delicate fabrics to a professional dry cleaner, and be sure to tell them about the smoke damage.
  • Dealing with Oily Soot. If your fabrics have oily soot, avoid using your washing machine, as it can clog. Instead, try taking them to a dry cleaner.
  • Storing Clean Materials. After cleaning, store items away from the affected area to prevent re-contamination.

Cleaning Hard Surfaces (Walls, Ceilings, Woodwork, etc.)

  • Wipe Down Everything. Use mild detergent and water to clean all hard surfaces, including painted surfaces, baseboards, doors, window frames/sills, and the outside and interiors of all cabinets and drawers.

Pro-Tip:

  • Act quickly. The acidic soot can cause metallic surfaces to corrode or rust within hours. Likewise, hard surfaces such as wood, wallpaper, drywall, or paint may start to discolour if soot is not removed shortly after damage. Remove soot as soon as possible to avoid hard-to-remove stains or odours.

Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery

  • Vacuum carpets and upholstery with a HEPA-filtered vacuum. Avoid using an upright vacuum with a beater bar on upholstery, as this can push soot deeper into the fibres. Use a brush attachment and vacuum gently.
  • Spot Cleaning. For smaller areas, try spot cleaning with a specialised smoke odour remover. Test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.
  • Professional Cleaning. For heavy smoke damage or if DIY methods are ineffective, consider hiring a professional smoke odour removal company.

Pro-Tips:

  • Upright Vacuums. Avoid vacuuming curtains or upholstery if you’re using an upright vacuum. The brushes can cause soot to go deeper into the material, resulting in more damage. Using the right equipment to remove the soot is important.
  • What to Do with Smoke-Damaged Wood Furniture. When cleaning, keep smoke-damaged wood furniture away from your carpet. The cleaning solutions may leak and cause carpet stains unless there is a protective barrier between the two.

Cleaning Hidden Areas (Drawers, Wardrobes, Light Fixtures, etc.)

Smoke can infiltrate even the smallest spaces. Empty and clean drawers and wardrobes thoroughly. Also, remember to clean light fixtures, behind appliances, and other often-overlooked areas.

Here are several tips for cleaning the hidden areas:

  • Drawers and Wardrobes. Empty them, wipe down all surfaces with a mild detergent, and leave them open to air out.
  • Light Fixtures. Wash removable covers and shades, wipe down bulbs and fixtures, and consider replacing bulbs with persistent odours.
  • Behind Appliances. Pull out appliances, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces.
  • Empty and wipe down all interior surfaces.
  • Under Furniture. Move furniture, vacuum, and clean underneath.

Odour Neutralisation Recommendations

  • Bicarbonate of Soda. Place bowls of bicarb around the house. Sprinkle it on carpets, let it sit, and then vacuum it up.
  • Activated Charcoal. Activated charcoal is another excellent odour absorber. Use charcoal bags or filters.
  • Place bowls of white vinegar around the house or simmer vinegar on the stovetop (just be careful not to burn it!).
  • Air Purifiers. A good quality air purifier with a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter can help remove smoke particles and odours from the air.

Note: These products may not be as effective at removing the smoke smell alone, but could help areas that weren’t as directly affected by the fire smoke.

Factors That Affect Smoke Odour Removal

Removing smoke odours from your home or property after a fire can seem straightforward. However, the amount of time needed to do so will depend on various factors.

These factors include:

  • Type of Soot. There are two types of soot: dry and oily. Dry soot is easier to clean and can be handled with a sponge and a low-alkaline detergent. Oily soot requires special techniques and equipment to be safely removed from your home. If you’re unsure, it’s time to get help from a professional to ensure that your home and belongings aren’t damaged.
  • Size of the Fire-damaged Area. If the affected area is small, the amount of effort needed to eliminate smoke smells will often be lower when compared to a large building with multiple rooms.
  • Size of the Fire. A larger fire can cause more damage, which will, in turn, lead to more potential for smoke odour throughout your property.
  • Time Delay After Fire. The longer you wait, the worse the smoke damage will get. Even if the damage seems minimal, most materials at home can start to yellow, discolour, rust, or corrode due to the impact of acidic soot or smoke particles. Treating them as soon as possible can improve your chances of reducing the need for more care.
  • Types of Materials Burned. Materials throughout your home react differently to soot and smoke molecules. Porous hard surfaces such as drywall, wallpaper, wood, and paint can become discoloured and permanently stained unless treated quickly. Acidic soot from a fire may also cause metallic surfaces to start rusting and corroding. Even cleaning your furniture may be damaging. Cleaning chemicals may seep into your carpet as it dries, carrying soot and smoke molecules that can cause stains.
  • Fire smoke infiltrates all areas of a home. It can seep into carpeting, furniture, clothing, draperies, books and even woodwork. Removing fire smoke smell from a home is a process best left to the professionals with the expertise, specialised equipment, and ability to work safely within your home without causing further damage.

Need Professional Smoke Odour Removal? We Can Help.

Call us if you’d like to trust your smoke-smell removal to the pros. After your home is affected by smoke, contact ServiceMaster Restore for smoke odour removal services that will restore it to normal.

Our team will work with you to ensure that your salvageable belongings are restored and that your home is free from smoke odours. We will also inspect your property after fire damage to ensure no extensive damage results in costly repairs down the road.

The experts at ServiceMaster Restore are standing by to help you remove unwanted odours from your home or office. Find your nearest experts or call 0800 021 3970 in a crisis to see how we can help you today.

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How to: Ways to keep your garden barbecue safe

How to have a safe and happy BBQ this summer with ServiceMaster Restore.

Now that the weather is warmer, you’ve probably considered firing up the barbecue if you haven’t already.

After all, nothing says summer like the smell of burgers, steaks, and hot dogs fresh off the grill.

Until something starts burning, that is.

While barbecue grills can cook up large amounts of delicious food, they are also a fire hazard.

But don’t worry! There are easy ways to prevent injury and keep your home safe.

Keep your property out of harm’s way the next time you smoke, sizzle or sauté outside by following a few simple BBQ safety tips from ServiceMaster Restore.

Practice Good Grilling Habits

Whatever kind of barbecue you use, there are a few simple things you can do to reduce your risk of fire or injury.

Here are some grilling safety tips to follow:

  • Set your barbecue away from structures and overhangs, including your main building, shed, garage, trees and other potentially flammable objects.
  • Never use your grill inside, in a tent, or under an outdoor awning. Doing so can pose a fire hazard and cause carbon monoxide poisoning using a gas barbecue.
  • Light any gas or charcoal BBQs using long-length lighters or long matches to avoid getting burned. Keep all ignition sources out of the reach of children.
  • Never leave an actively burning BBQ unattended.
  • Let the grill fully cool before you cover or store it.
  • Clean your barbecue thoroughly and often to reduce flammable build-up inside.

Be Aware of Proper Charcoal Barbecue Safety

Many swear by the taste of food cooked on a classic charcoal barbecue.

This method may be popular, but it also poses unique fire risks.

Keep these safety tips in mind if you own or use a charcoal barbecue:

  • Only add enough charcoal to cover the bottom of the barbecue. Don’t pile too much inside since it could cause ashes and sparks to become airborne, possibly catching nearby objects or your home on fire.
  • Store extra charcoal in a secure place away from other potential fire hazards, preferably in an airtight metal container.
  • Only use starter fluid designed for charcoal. Apply it to cold coals only, and don’t add extra once the BBQ is lit. Otherwise, the flames could get too high, resulting in possible burns or an unconfined fire.
  • Empty your used ashes only when they have cooled. Never store or dispose of them in a bin or leave them on the decking. Even when cooled, ashes can still cause a fire. Dump them on garden soil in a metal receptacle for proper disposal.

Use your Gas BBQ Wisely

Gas barbecue grills are convenient, easy to use, and require less refuelling than charcoal grills.

But they are also susceptible to fire risks. Remember these safety tips if you own a gas BBQ:

  • Open the lid before lighting the barbecue. This allows oxygen to escape and reduces the risk of fire or explosion.
  • Check the gas line and tank fittings regularly for leaks. You can do this by brushing soapy water around these areas. If you see bubbles emerge, there could be a leak somewhere. Replace damaged and leaking parts and make any other repairs before using the barbecue.
  • If you have spare gas cylinders, never store them under a stairway. Place them upright and outside, away from furniture or structures, to minimise fire risks.
  • Turn off your barbecue using the controls first, then close off the gas line at the tank to ensure gas can escape safely.

In need of fire damage restoration?

If the worst should happen and you experience a fire during the warmer months, the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore are always available to help.

We hope you never need to make that call. But if you do, we’ll be there to help with the recovery.

Find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore today or call 0845 762 6828 to see how we can help you in the aftermath.