Urgent warning as firefighters called to balcony barbecues at high-rise apartments in Leeds

Firefighters have reminded residents of the dangers of having balcony barbecues, after being called to a number of Leeds apartments.
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West Yorkshire Fire said it has seen a 'small rise' in barbecues on the balconies of high-rise buildings, particularly in Leeds city centre.

Crews recently attended a high-rise building where barbecue coals had been placed into a plastic plant pot on a small balcony, which started to smoke.

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Fortunately no fire spread and it was out when firefighters arrived at the scene.

Firefighters have reminded residents of the dangers of having balcony barbecuesFirefighters have reminded residents of the dangers of having balcony barbecues
Firefighters have reminded residents of the dangers of having balcony barbecues

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton said: “It is fortunate that this incident did not turn into something more serious.

“We are sympathetic to the fact that residents who live in flats in urban areas may be feeling cooped up and are looking for ways to enjoy the small outdoors areas available to them.

“However, having a barbecue on a balcony does pose a risk of fire spreading and could potentially put yourself, your family or flatmates, and other residents at risk should this happen.

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"We have seen a small rise in this activity and as we now enter another weekend on lockdown we do not want to see anyone put at risk.

“Smoking on balconies can also cause a fire and we urge people to be extremely vigilant at this time.

“Should a fire occur in this way, it would not only pose challenges to the Fire Service in tackling it, but it could also impact on people’s ability to maintain social distancing and it could put further pressure on our NHS should any injuries occur. Consider the potential wider consequences and please do not have barbecues on balconies.”

Firefighters reminded residents that some high-rise buildings are subject to stringent restrictions due to having flammable cladding, warning that it is 'imperative' that there are no barbecues on balconies of these buildings.

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Abigail Tubis, founder of the Leeds Cladding Scandal action group, added: “We support West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in getting this important safety message out.

“We urge people to take heed and refrain from having barbecues on balconies which could pose a fire risk.”

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