FIREFIGHTERS have warned of the dangers of barbecues after fire badly damaged two homes in Hereford.

Seven crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were at Wyedean Rise on Monday (May 29) to tackle a blaze there.

The roofs of both two homes were set alight, but an investigation has revealed that the fire was started by a barbecue in the garden.

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Station Commander James Holder, who investigated, said: “A charcoal barbecue had been used and left unattended too close to a fence and the overhang of a garage roof.

“That is where the fire started and it ended with two properties being really badly damaged.

“We would urge people to keep their barbecues well away from buildings, sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste."

As well as the damage to the houses, a man in his 40s was left in the care of the ambulance service.

Hereford Times: Wyedean Rise fire, Belmont, Hereford. Picture: Hereford Fire Station

Earlier this week Emily Anderson, who lives in the Wyedean Rise house with her husband, four-year-old son and her mother, spoke about the fire.

"We have lost everything pretty much," she said. "It's a substantial house that we put every single penny into. Our house was like a showhome and it's gone. We have no upstairs at all.

"My mother, who has severe mobility issues, had a downstairs annexe. I am self-employed as a fitness instructor and children's party organiser, and I'll be going on maternity leave soon, and my other half doesn't get sick pay, so he needs to get back to work."

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Mrs Anderson's sister-in-law, Laura Cooke, has set up a GoFundMe page to support the family and it has so far raised more than £4,000.

"But it's hard to see the light at the moment. Thankfully, we are all alright, but I don't think it's hit home.

"My mother is not doing great, but none of us are – our four-year-old doesn't understand why his toys are all burned."

To donate to the fundraising page, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/33mjn-house-fire.

Follow these tips from the Fire Kills campaign to ensure your barbecue is a safe, enjoyable event.

  • Never leave a lit barbecue unattended
  • Never use a barbecue indoors
  • Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste
  • Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area
  • After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it
  • Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue but not more
  • Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire
  • Enjoy yourself but don’t drink too much alcohol if in charge of the barbecue
  • Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies
  • Only use ignitable liquids intended for use with barbecues. Petrol should not be used