Wildfire Danger – 56% of Greater Londoners don’t know how to correctly extinguish an instant barbecue

Research released today has revealed that more than half (56%) of people living in Greater London aren’t aware of the correct way to extinguish and dispose of an instant barbecue.

According to a new study by Bar-Be-Quick, over a quarter of those surveyed from the region (27%) just leave their instant barbecues to cool down once used. A further 18% said they extinguish their barbecues by covering them with sand – an insulator of heat.

Shockingly, 11.5% of those interviewed said they would just chuck the barbecue in the bin. This figure is disappointing for the region, compared to only 8% nationally who said they would do the same.

Only 15% of people surveyed from Greater London cited the correct way to extinguish a disposable barbecue, which is to douse it in water.

When asked how they dispose of their instant barbecues once finished with them, over a third (33%) claimed that they disassembled and recycled the individual contents according to the instructions. However, 23% confessed to putting the whole thing in the bin and a further 18% of Londoners admitted they had no idea instant barbecues could be recycled.

The research of over 1,000 people was carried out by Rectella – the Burnley-based manufacturer of the Bar-Be-Quick range of instant barbecues and charcoal products in advance of the summer season to understand how much people know about barbecue safety.

As a result of the findings, Bar-Be-Quick has launched #coolitquick – a national barbecue safety campaign which aims to build awareness amongst the public on the safe use of instant barbecues, portable barbecues, and campfires.

Caroline Morris, Sales & Business Development Director at Rectella International, comments on the findings: “With Britain set to bask in weather hotter than Istanbul in the coming weeks, we know people will inevitably be increasing their use of barbecues.

Whilst most Brits are able to use instant barbecues, portable barbecues and campfires safely, our research reveals a large proportion are still unaware of how to cook and dispose of them responsibly.

Unsafe use of barbecues, particularly during hot, dry summers, can cause wildfires, which lead to a lot of environmental damage as well as being a threat to life.

That’s why we’ve launched our #coolitquick campaign to ensure everyone knows how to use our products responsibly, including how to safely recycle instant barbecues once customers have finished using them.”

Throughout the summer, all of Bar-Be-Quick’s instant barbecue products will carry a QR code that will take individuals to online educational materials giving safety tips on how to barbecue safely and what barbecue users need to be aware of in different environments.

The #coolitquick website will also provide tips on seaside safety, how to cool an instant barbecue quickly, safe positioning and, importantly, how to dispose of them responsibly.

Paul Hedley, NFCC lead for wildfires, said: “NFCC supports improved consumer advice when using these products. The heat from instant barbecues can start fires and cause injuries. Better education and advice on when and where it’s safe to use these products and how to correctly extinguish and dispose of them can reduce these risks. At times of heightened risk, we advise people to always take a picnic!”

The Bar-Be-Quick product range is available nationwide via major retailers and convenience stores. The brand will also work with its retail partners this summer to increase education and awareness through in-store and on-pack educational assets. These assets will demonstrate to users the correct way to use and dispose of instant barbecues, as well as provide tips for a safe and fun barbecue season.

Melanie Wilson, Senior Director of Global Sourcing, Quality & Sustainability at ASDA, said, “We very much welcome this educational campaign from Rectella. For many people, barbecues are much a loved summer highlight – but, as with any product, if used incorrectly or irresponsibly, they can pose a risk, therefore ensuring that consumers have easy access to information on the safe and proper way to use and dispose of instant barbecues is something that Asda fully supports.

For more information on how to safely barbecue, please visit www.barbequick.com/grillguide/barbecue-safely/.