A house fire in West Drayton has prompted local firefighters to issue a crucial reminder about BBQ safety. The incident occurred on Milton Way, where most of the ground floor and a portion of the first floor of a terraced house sustained damage. Additionally, part of the ground floor of a neighbouring property was also affected. A vehicle parked at the rear of the house was completely destroyed by the blaze.
Emergency services were first alerted to the fire at 2:50PM when Control Officers received the first of 18 emergency calls. Fire crews from Hayes, Heathrow and Southall quickly responded, bringing the fire under control by 4:01PM.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Firefighters believe the fire was accidental, caused by a BBQ.
“London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Craig Carter said: “Of course we want everyone to be able to enjoy the weather but this has to be done safely.
“If you are having a barbecue, never leave it unattended and be careful where it’s positioned. Aim for level ground and keep barbecues well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees or tents.”
“Don’t be tempted to barbecue on your balcony either. Balconies can contain combustible materials which can pose a risk to those barbecuing and others living nearby.
“Disposable barbecues pose a significant fire risk if they are not used appropriately and put out properly, while the heat can be retained for many hours even after a barbecue has been put out.
“We’re asking people not to take disposable barbecues with them to parks or open spaces as they can cause grass fires, especially in hot weather when the ground is dry. These fires are unpredictable and can spread rapidly, causing a significant amount of damage.
“Many of London’s parks and open spaces have bans in place on disposable barbecues, which are enforced by the relevant local authority. You can find more details about public space protection orders on your local authority’s website.”
