Firefighters were called to a residential street in Folkestone yesterday afternoon after a barbecue blaze spread out of control, destroying a garden shed and a fence.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) received reports of the fire in Woodfield Close at 12:04 PM on Saturday, January 3. Four crews were dispatched to the scene to prevent the flames from reaching nearby properties.
When they arrived a shed and a length of fencing was well alight. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked for approximately 40 minutes to contain the blaze, using high-pressure hose reel jets to extinguish the flames. The incident was brought under control by 12:41 PM.
Initial investigations suggest the fire was accidental. It is believed that a barbecue, which had not been fully extinguished, reignited and spread to the adjacent wooden structures. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Following the incident, KFRS issued a reminder to residents regarding outdoor cooking safety. A spokesperson urged the public to:
- Position barbecues well away from buildings, fences, and dry greenery.
- Ensure coals and embers are completely cold before leaving them unattended or disposing of them.