Outbuilding fire - East Dulwich

Firefighters have issued a barbecue safety reminder after an outbuilding fire on Elsie Road in East Dulwich.

A single-storey outbuilding was destroyed by fire. Six metres of fencing, stacked timber and building materials belonging to an adjacent property were also destroyed by the blaze. A man and a woman were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

Two gas cylinders were involved in the fire and a further two were removed. Another cylinder was vented to fresh air. They were all cooled to an ambient temperature as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by unattended barbecue coals.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Unattended barbecues or barbecues placed too close buildings can be a real fire risk.

“We don’t want to spoil people’s fun but we’re just reminding people to take extra care. It’s vital that you place them on level ground, far away from things like sheds, fences or trees and out of the reach of children and pets.”

The Brigade was called at 2104 and the fire was under control by 2224. Fire crews from Brixton, Forest Hill, Old Kent Road and West Norwood fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters’ tips for barbecuing safely

• Never use a barbecue – including disposables – indoors or on your balcony.
• Be careful where you position your barbecue – we suggest on level ground, well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees, or tents.
• Don't use petrol, paraffin, or any flammable liquids on your barbecue – firelighters are a much safer option.
• Think twice and take extra care if you’re thinking of having barbecues in parks and public spaces.
• Never leave barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them.
• Disposable barbecues that have been discarded and abandoned can still end up causing a fire as they will continue to retain heat after use – they need to be put right out and cooled before being thrown away.
• If you’re using a gas barbecue, change the gas cylinder outdoors and make sure you turn off all controls and valves.
• If you suspect a fault, do not use the barbecue and seek specialist advice.
• To prevent gas leaks, ensure all joints are tightened.
• Carefully supervise children and pets.