Don't Cook The Trees - Barbecue Safety
My first experience of a barbecue was as a seventeen year old at
a friend's house. His farther, Douglas, was an expert at
barbecuing, with many years experience, we thought! It was a hot
summers day but with a light breeze, so Douglas, with all that
experience, decided to erect a cardboard frame about one foot
high around three sides of the barbecue. The barbecue grill
itself, which was fuelled with charcoal, was positioned next to,
and underneath, some trees in the back garden. Not having seen a
barbecue being lit before I was keen to watch, and moved in
closer. Douglas placed the firelighters in the grate, set fire
to them and arranged the charcoal in a pyramid over them. A
number of years later I found out that this was the classic way
to light a barbecue. Now, Douglas, in an attempt to speed up the
process uncovered his secret weapon and enthusiastically said
"Lighter fuel, this will have the barbecue going in seconds!"
With the poise of a highly trained swordsman, Douglas sent a jet
of lighter fuel through the air and across the whole length of
the barbecue. Douglas was right! The barbecue erupted into
flame. I was very impressed. Unfortunately, seconds later so did
the cardboard frame and then the surrounding trees! Luckily
there were enough of us there to safely put out the flames and
to carry on with the barbecue.
A few years later I began barbecuing for myself and always
remembered Douglas and his flaming trees. Apart from not
erecting a cardboard frame around your barbecue and keeping it
well away from trees, there are some simple rules to follow to
ensure that you start your charcoal barbecue in safety.
If you're setting up a barbecue for the first time, read the
instructions carefully first.
Carefully choose where to set-up your barbecue. Make sure that
it's on level ground and don't try to move it once it's lit.
Don't attempt to start your barbecue in very high winds. Not
even with a cardboard frame!
Don't try to barbecue indoors. I know people that have tried to
barbecue in a shed and in a garage! Extremely dangerous.
Use proper firelighters to start your barbecue. They're better
than rolled up paper and won't fly away in the wind.
Only ever use purpose-made firelighters and fuel on your
barbecue. Never use petrol, white spirit, or paraffin. Not only
is it extremely dangerous but it also taints the flavour of the
food.
Everyone loves a barbecue but don't forget that the grill gets
extremely hot. Follow the rules above and keep safety in mind.
You'll experience a great barbecue, your guests will have lots
fun and you'll enjoy yourself.