FIREFIGHTERS are spreading a barbecue safety message as the weather heats up this week.

Tips include ensuring barbecues are on a flat site away from sheds, trees or shrubs, never leave it unattended and when using a disposable barbecue, always place it on an even surface of either bricks or paving slabs.

Keith Brooks, head of prevention and protection, said: "By far the biggest danger of barbecues is the use of flammable liquids to light it.

"We have had a couple of occasions where people have poured petrol onto the charcoal in an effort to get it going and the reaction has, not surprisingly, been violent and highly dangerous.

"Prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early."