ManKind Recalls Balcony Grills After Warning From Fire Brigade

Gifts and novelties site MenKind has issued a recall on its balcony barbecue grill after the London Fire Brigade urged Londoners to exercise fire safety and stop using balcony grills.

As the coronavirus lockdown continues and the weather gets warmer, many families are barbecuing on their balconies. With the concern over fires on balconies escalating, the London Fire Brigade has announced new fire safety advice for balcony barbecues.

The brigade’s deputy commissioner has criticised the manufacturing of balcony barbecues, calling them “irresponsible” and “careless.” Balcony barbecues are easily accessible and can be purchased from retailers. 

In the last three years, there have been more than 550 balcony fires in London, according to House Beautiful. Senior firefighters warn everyone of the devastating effects of balcony barbecues, as these fires can easily spread to attached properties, and in serious cases, could leave many homeless.

MenKind has voluntarily recalled its balcony barbecues after being advised as to the dangers of balcony barbecues by the London Fire Brigade. Those who have purchased a balcony barbecue from MenKind may receive a full refund.

Firefighters are concerned that balcony fires will increase in the next few weeks. A lot of balconies are made with combustible materials, House Beautiful says, and there are likely combustible items stored nearby in outdoor spaces, so if a fire starts, it can spread quickly. The wind is also a factor. Wind can carry smouldering ignition sources like embers from barbecues over to a neighbour’s adjoining balcony.

“These balcony barbecues are a staggeringly irresponsible idea and are being marketed carelessly, with hardly any thought as to how dangerous they are,” London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Richard Mills told MyLondon. “There are many hazards which can cause balcony fires and they have the potential to be devastating with highly damaging consequences – with a risk to life and the potential for not just you but your neighbours to lose their homes.” 

“We understand people want to enjoy their outside space if they have it, especially at the moment while we are all spending more time at home, but please don’t think it won’t happen to you, because it can,” Mills added. “We are attending on average almost four fires on balconies every week, and that figure is likely to be much higher during warmer weather.”

One large fire in Deptford began when the contents of a barbecue were placed in a plastic bag for disposal. This caused a fire on the balcony of a flat, generating damage to the fifth floor, a majority of the building’s roof and another roof on the adjacent block. Around 100 people were evacuated from the building and around half of the residents are likely to be permanently rehoused by the local housing association.

As for fire safety, there are a number of ways to prevent fires on balconies or in backyards this summer. Barbecues can get dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. 

The London Fire Brigade suggests five main fire safety rules: 

1. Never use a barbecue indoors or on your balcony; this includes using disposable barbecues.
2. Always place your barbecue on level ground, safely away from anything flammable, including sheds, fences, trees or tents. 
3. Don’t use petrol, paraffin or any other combustible liquids on your barbecue; using a firelighter is a much safer option.
4. Supervise children carefully around barbecues, preventing trip and falls.
5. Be aware of pets around barbecues. Dogs and cats can get underfoot and cause accidents. Keep pets indoors and never near a barbecue. 

The London Fire Brigade also warns that barbecues can stay hot for hours, so take great caution when moving them.

And lastly, barbecues continue to release carbon monoxide fumes for hours after they have been put out, so never bring them into the home.

Did you purchase a ManKind balcony barbecue grill? Were you aware of the dangers of balcony barbecues? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Read More Lawsuit & Settlement News:

Wirecard to Resume Regulated Activity Following Funds Freeze

CMA Investigating Possible Overcharging for Hand Sanitiser

Lloyds, Others Fined £64M for Treating Mortgage Customers Unfairly

FCA Confirms Support for Credit Customers Through End of October