Warning issued to anyone using their BBQ over 5 mistakes to avoid

The UK is set to enjoy , but Brits are being warned to avoid five things if they decide to use their BBQ. Before firing up the grill, outdoor living experts at BillyOh shared five tips to avoid a garden party disaster.

A spokesperson for outdoor living experts said: "We love to see people making the most of their outdoors spaces and firing up the BBQ, especially with the sunny weather we're having. But remember, safety comes first. It can be easy to overlook small details like the positioning of your but those are the things that can prevent any serious accidents from happening." Read on for the expert's five tips:

Don't use a BBQ on a balcony

While it's not necessarily illegal to have a BBQ on a balcony, it is strongly advised against by the London Brigade and most lease agreements would prohibit the use of one.

Flames, sparks and hot embers could cause a fire and spread quickly to other parts of the building.

Make sure it's well-positioned

It's important to position your on level ground, and away from anything that may catch fire such as sheds, fences, and trees, and it's also best avoided on decking, unless you use a BBQ mat or fire-resistant pad underneath.

Avoid enclosed spaces

Ventilation is key because BBQs produce carbon monoxide which can quickly build up in enclosed spaces. They should never be lit in an enclosed space, including garages, marquees or gazebos with walls or curtains, or pergolas with a solid roof and sides.

Be mindful of neighbours

If BBQ smoke regularly blows into a neighbours garden or windows, they could report it to the local council, so try and place it away from shared fences or open windows.

Repeated or excessive BBQ smoke can be classed as a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Safety first

Try to avoid distractions from people around you, keeping children, pets and garden games a safe distance away, and never leaving the BBQ unattended. It's always a good idea to have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency scenarios.