Firefighters are pleading with the public not to barbecue on their balcony as lockdown continues and the warm weather improves.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued new advice as the concern over fires on balconies increases, and the Brigade's Deputy Commissioner has criticised the manufacturing of 'irresponsible' and 'careless' balcony barbecues that are easily available to purchase from retailers.
There have been more than 550 balcony fires across London in the last three years, and senior firefighters are once again warning of the devastating impacts, as these particular fires can easily spread to adjoining properties, potentially leaving many people homeless if the fire is serious enough.
Never use a BBQ – including disposables – indoors or on your balcony
Many balconies have combustible materials as part of their construction, and there are often combustible items stored in outside spaces, so if a fire starts, it can spread quickly. Wind can also fan or carry smouldering ignition sources such as cigarettes and embers from barbecues to lower or adjacent balconies.
There is huge concern that balcony fires will increase over the coming weeks.
LFB's Deputy Commissioner Richard Mills explains: 'We understand people want to enjoy their outside space if they have it, especially at the moment while we are all spending more time at home, but please don’t think it won’t happen to you, because it can.
'We are attending on average almost four fires on balconies every week, and that figure is likely to be much higher during warmer weather.'
A balcony blaze could cause risk to life and displace hundreds of people
Last week, a barbecue caused a large blaze at a block of flats in Deptford, South East London, after the barbecue was disposed of in a plastic bag and left on the balcony.
The fire started and damaged the fifth floor flat, as well as most of the roof of the building and part of the roof of the adjoining block. Residents of the affected flat escaped uninjured but around 100 people were evacuated due to the amount of smoke.
Now, around half of the residents are likely to be permanently displaced and are being rehoused by the local housing association.
Balcony BBQs 'are an accident waiting to happen'
But despite the warnings and obvious risks that balcony barbecues present, there remains one problem – barbecues which are being specifically marketed for use on balconies.
These are often marketed as space-saving barbecues for those without a garden, and can often be attached to a balcony railing, but can also be compact, portable designs.
The Deputy Commissioner is now writing to a number of manufacturers and retailers highlighting his concerns.
'These balcony barbecues are a staggeringly irresponsible idea and are being marketed carelessly, with hardly any thought as to how dangerous they are,' says Deputy Commissioner Mills. 'They are an accident waiting to happen and they are even being advertised with images of wooden balconies and with the suggestion customers have a fire extinguisher nearby.
'There are many hazards which can cause balcony fires and they have the potential to be devastating with highly damaging consequences – with a risk to life and the potential for not just you but your neighbours to lose their homes.'
Stay BBQ safe
Barbecues can be dangerous if not handled responsibly. LFB has issued the following guidance for barbecuing in the garden.
• Be careful where you position your BBQ: this should be 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 BBQ – firelighters are a much safer option.
• Carefully supervise children at all times.
• Be pet-aware – dogs (and some cats!) love to snaffle sausages and can cause accidents getting under your feet.
• BBQs can stay hot for hours, so be really careful moving them. They also give off carbon monoxide fumes for several hours after they go out, so do not bring them indoors with you.
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17 balcony furniture buys for every budget
Jari Garden Table with 2 Armchairs in Black & Rattan
Neat, streamlined and incredibly chic, this rattan bistro set was made for small areas. As demonstrated here, the tables tuck in perfectly when not in use – ideal for balconies where floor space is limited.
Invest in a compact bench for your balcony for ultimate style and comfort. This slimline option from John Lewis can be placed against the wall, ensuring you'll have enough room to stretch your legs. Just layer with outdoor cushions and throws.
Stay in the shade with this charming half parasol, which can either lay flat against your balcony wall or be fixed for extra support. It's an ideal solution for narrow spaces that can't fit a full-sized parasol.
We love how compact this table and chairs bistro set is. Made from lightweight resin with perforated panels, it's the perfect blend of minimalist and industrial. It's also available in blue, red and dove grey.
To create more privacy on your balcony, consider buying a privacy screen like this, which you can attach to the railings with the included safety ties. It provides ideal protection against wind, rain and UV.
If you've got a lot of plants to showcase on your balcony, do it in style with this three-tier plant stand. The varying heights help to provide interest and the slatted design enables sunlight to seep through.
Having a balcony instead of a garden doesn't mean you can't dine and sip cocktails alfresco. This wall mountable bistro balcony table is perfect – fix to the wall or railings and enjoy breakfast, lunch and your favourite tipple.
An alternative seating option, outdoor bean bags are great for relaxing while catching the sun rays from your balcony. This stylish option from Dunelm is affordable enough that you can buy a few for when you have extra guests.
If you prefer a high table for your balcony, Wayfair is selling this three-piece compact bar set made from acacia wood. It'll make lunchtime coffees in the sun all the more chic.
It couldn't be easier to pop this wall-hung table on your balcony, and it's foldable, too.
Need to store some garden tools and accessories? At just over £20, this wood effect 90L capacity storage box is great for storing plant pots, cushion pads and tools. Note that while it's water resistant, the box isn't waterproof.
This compact side table is a great choice for areas with limited floor space as it can be tucked into existing outdoor furniture when not in use. The polywood top is weather resistant to shield against everchanging British weather.
Create more space for planting flowers, herbs and vegetables with these nifty hanging planter bags. Simply attach to your balcony railing with the 12 safety ties and you're ready to plant!
Made from spruce wood, this ladder-style shelving unit is a perfect display piece for all your potted plants or herbs. And it's pretty slimline too, so it should fit perfectly on a balcony.
There really is no excuse not to grow some plants on your balcony with this charming planter. Made from durable powder-coated steel, it can be simply hung over the edge of your balcony for a pretty look.
At just 25cm deep, this outdoor plant stand is an essential accessory for narrow balconies. Pair it with the matching three-shelf plant stand, as pictured here, to create your very own urban jungle.
