Warning for BBQ fans over bank holiday weekend as fire claims rise 38%

Authored by Aviva

Aviva is warning barbecue lovers of the risks of fire hazards, ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

Figures from the insurer reveals home insurance claims for fire damage saw a 38% year-on-year increase between May/June 2019 and May/June 2020. This is thought to be largely due to people having barbecues at home, as well as burning rubbish in their gardens during the first national lockdown.

As people meet up as lockdown restrictions ease, residents are being urged to take care if lighting barbecues and fires at home, particularly when disposing of ashes.

The Aviva data reveals garden fires varied widely in their severity last year, from a few hundred pounds worth of damage, to six-figure sums. In many cases, fires started in a neighbouring garden and blew over into the next-door property.

Aviva paid out around £21,000 on average for domestic fire claims settled in 2020.

Dave Lovely, Claims Director, General Insurance, Aviva says: “As people get together with friends and family over the long weekend, there’s every chance that barbecues will be popular again this year. However, with fire comes risk, and unfortunately last year we saw a huge increase in claims in May and June when bonfires and barbecues had gone wrong.

“Problems can occur when fires and barbecues are situated too close to sheds, fences and buildings and this is something we often see through our claims. Another common cause is when people have disposed of embers while they’re still too hot and they’ve gone on to set a bin alight and caused a bigger blaze.

“Fire pits have also grown in popularity in recent years, and while they’re great for keeping warm on those cooler days, we’ve seen several examples where flames have got out of hand.

“There are a few simple steps people can take to minimise their risks, so we’d urge people to play it safe if barbecues and bonfires are on the menu.”

Aviva has the following advice on garden fires and barbecues:

• Think about the position of your blaze: Make sure it’s not too close to any trees, fences, hedges, buildings and wooden structures in particular, such as sheds and pergolas.
• Have a polite word with your neighbours. Likewise, if it looks like they are setting up a fire close to an adjoining fence or near to your property, it may be worth suggesting an alternative spot. Many fires start in neighbouring properties and get carried across.
• Never leave a fire or barbecue unattended and make sure someone is on guard if there are small children or pets around.
• Make sure your barbecue is in good working order and read the instructions if you’re using it for the first time – especially if you are using a gas-fired model.
• Dispose of your ashes carefully. Too-hot ashes and wheelie-bins are not a good combination – and Aviva claims data shows this is one of the most common causes of garden fires.
• Always have a bucket of water or sand on hand, in case flames get out of control.
• Go easy with accelerants. Remember that a little can go a long way - and be careful to clear up any spills thoroughly.
• Watch the weather forecast and think again if wind is on the way. A strong breeze can spread flames across a large distance and send sparks flying into neighbouring gardens.
• Remember that alcohol and flames are not a good mix. Drink responsibly if you are using a barbecue or lighting a fire.
• Be considerate to neighbours: Neighbours can report you if they think your fire is causing a nuisance. It’s also a common courtesy to warn them about possible smoke, particularly if their washing is on the line!