Firefighters have issued a stark warning to barbecue chefs after a man was badly burnt when ignitable liquids were used at a blaze in Hackney.
Two fire engines and 10 firefighters were called to fire on a second floor external terrace above a shop and flat on Kingsland Road on Sunday (31 July).
The Brigade’s fire investigators believe that the man had used white spirit or petrol on barbecue coals before trying to light it. He was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Using ignitable liquids to start barbecues is exceptionally dangerous and can put yourself and your property in danger. Under no circumstances should you use white spirit or petrol to get your barbecue started.
“Having barbecues on balconies or enclosed terraces are also not encouraged as it’s easy for barbecues to get out of control and cause a fire which can then spread to other properties.
“If you’re planning a barbecue this summer, it’s important to place the barbecue on level ground and well away from anything that could catch fire, such as fences, overhanging trees and sheds – or in this case, other people’s balconies.
The Brigade was called at 1231 and the fire was under control by 1336. Fire crews from Shoreditch and Stoke Newington fire stations attended the scene.