Fire crews have issued a stark warning after teams worked to tackle a barbecue blaze in Braintree.

The team took to Tortoiseshell Way yesterday (April 23) around 6.15pm after a gas barbecue had caught alight.

On arrival, crews reported that the fire had spread to the gas cylinder. 

In a bid to get the fire under control, firefighters allowed the gas to vent off while tackling the blaze with water.

Thanks to their efforts, it was extinguished by 7.53pm.

Crew Manager Trevor Garrod from Braintree Fire Station said: “With the warmer weather coming and restrictions allowing us to have guests in our gardens, if you’re having a barbecue we’d urge you to check them over thoroughly before using them and make sure there are no faults.

“Never leave a barbecue unattended and make sure you set it up well away from sheds, fences, trees and plants.”

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The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have now dished out the following safety advice if you're planning on having a barbecue:

  • Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues. Never use a barbecue indoors
  • Never leave a barbecue unattendedMake sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste
  • Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area
  • After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it
  • Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire
  • Store gas cylinders outside, away from direct sunlight and frost
  • Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
  • After cooking, turn the gas supply off first and then the barbecue control. This will stop any gas from leaking