FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning about the dangers of barbecues after a near-miss at a flat on Friday.

A crew from Wokingham Road were sent to Lower Meadow Road, off Blagdon Road, at around 1am following reports of a flat fire.

Residents had not fully extinguished the barbecue and it led to the windowsill being melted by the smoke, which started to enter the property.

Watch manager Robin Jordan said: "The smoke can cause damage if the fire is not put out properly and this can be dangerous with all of the chemicals in the plastic materials.

"I would like to warn people about the dangers of having barbecues and to always make sure they are away from the home and not near any vegetation as it can spread."

Crews were on the scene for about an hour and nobody was hurt.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service issued the following advice:

  • Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs
  • Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
  • Set up your barbecue on level ground
  • If you have a gas barbecue always store gas cylinders outside
  • Use only approved lighter fluids and only ever on cold coals
  • Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose nearby for emergencies
  • Be careful when cooking fatty foods, the dripping fat can cause the barbecue to flare up
  • Don't leave a lit barbecue unattended
  • Don't cook if you’re affected by alcohol or prescription drugs
  • Don't take a barbecue indoors – even when the flames aren’t visible, it can still give off carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly