A fire chief has urged caution for those planning on having a barbecue during what has – up to now – been a sun-filled summer, reports iwradio.co.uk.

Steve Apter, head of Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, noted that some people may be tempted to take their barbecue indoors or into a tent, but that this carries the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or possibly even out of control flames.

This was one of a number of tips handed out to people if they are having a barbecue; among the others were to keep children away from the cooking area and have a bucket of sand or water close by. For businesses planning an outdoor meal, a full fire risk assessment may be beneficial or even compulsory.

Mr Apter noted that most of the tips were “common sense”, but regarding the placement of the barbecue he said: “It is vitally important people remember to be patient and follow the key advice when operating barbecues. If you’ve planned a barbecue and the weather lets you down, don’t take the barbecue indoors or into a tent.”

Further fire safety recommendations reported by islandecho.co.uk included not leaving the cooking area unattended and ensuring that the chef does not get too inebriated or use inappropriate flammable liquids – such as petrol – to light the coals.