Sat 21 Aug fire crews offer BBQ safety advice

Firefighters are reminding people to think about safety measures when having a barbecue this summer.

Using fuels and gas cylinders around bbqs can pose particular hazards - especially when combined with a beer or two.

To this end fire crews from Bedford Fire Station will be outside the Tesco store in Goldington from 10 am - 4 pm on Saturday 21st August giving information on safer cooking in the great outdoors.

The same fire station houses the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service boat which is used for water safety patrols and rescues. As the dangers of drowning increase in the summer when people decide to take the plunge in open waters like rivers and lakes, the Fire and Rescue Service is often the frontline service responding to 999 calls. The boat will be on display at Tesco with a reminder to people to think before jump into the drink, especially if they have been taking a drink.

“We don’t want to sound like Kill Joys but too often the mix of making merry and bbqs leads to added dangers,” said Area Commander Tony Rogers,

“Even without the alcohol factor some basic measures can help prevent fires and injuries arising from bbqs. We will be running a quiz on the day with a prize donated by Tesco.”

For those who cannot attend on the day: FREE home fire safety checks can be carried out by BLFRS staff by appointment. Contact 0800 043 5042 or go to www.bedsfire.com for more information.