A blaze broke out in Duncroft Gardens Shanklin this evening (Friday May 14), after a gas barbecue got out of control.

The blaze broke out in a rear garden of the house and then set fire to a near by fence, the fire brigade said.

Retained Crews arrived within minutes of the call from Shanklin fire station. Just after 8.19pm this evening . The spokesman went on to confirm that crews at the scene had to isolate the gas bottle. A hose reel was used to extinguished the fire. There was slight damaged to the fence and no one was hurt.

Jeff Walls Community safety manger from IW fire service said” Barbecues can get out of control if you’re not careful. By following a few simple fire safety rules you can enjoy a safe barbecue and prevent accidental fires.”

• Make sure your barbecue is placed on level ground where it will not tip over.
• Keep barbecues away from your home, sheds, fences, garden furniture and overhanging trees or shrubs.
• Don’t put the barbecue where people have to squeeze past it.
• Only use approved barbecue fuel or firelighters. Never use petrol or paraffin.
• Keep children and garden games well away from the cooking area.
• Never leave the barbecue unattended.
• Watch out when you are cooking fatty foods. Lots of fat spilling onto the coals will cause flames to flare up.
• When you have finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before you try to move it.
• Empty the cold ash onto bare garden soil – never put it in the dustbin.

• Make sure the controls and the gas cylinder valve are turned off before you change the cylinder.
• Change the gas cylinder in the open air.
• If you think there might be a leak in the gas cylinder connections or pipe, brush soapy water over all of the joints and watch out for bubbles. If you have a leaky joint, try to tighten it but don’t over tighten it and test for bubbles again. If unsure do not use the barbecue – seek specialist advice.
• When you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls. This makes sure any leftover gas in the pipe is used up.
• Store your gas cylinders outside and protect from frost and direct sunlight.
• Don’t keep more spare cylinders than you need.