But, as we dust down our barbecues and drag out the briquettes, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning people of the dangers of a summer sizzling session.

The advice comes after five homes in Olney were evacuated following a gas barbecue fire in Lilly Hill.

Terry Ridgley, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service's community safety manager, said: "Having a barbecue should be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, but cooking over hot coals can be hazardous.
"Please take care, because the consequences of not paying attention to a few simple safety rules can be catastrophic."

He advised:

Never try to cook on a barbecue if you have consumed too much alcohol

Make sure your barbecue is in good working order, particularly if you have not used it for a while.

Keep a bucket of water, a bucket of sand or a garden hose nearby in case of an emergency.

The barbecue site should be flat and well away from sheds, fences, decking, trees and shrubs.

Children, garden games and pets should be kept well away from the cooking area.

Only use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 50mm or two inches, and never leave the barbecue unattended.

Only use recognised lighters or starter fuel on cold coals, and never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue.

Only use recognised barbecue fuel, and never experiment with anything else.

When you've finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it.

Empty ashes on to bare garden soil – never straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin.

If your barbecue runs on bottled gas, take special care when turning it on and off.

When you've finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls to make sure any gas in the pipeline is used up.

Gas cylinders should be changed in the open air if possible.

Never use a barbecue as a patio heater or bonfire brazier.