With the current spell of warm weather and this weekend’s forecast for the highest temperatures of the year so far, barbecues are beginning to sizzle across Cumbria.

But behind the bangers and burgers, having fun in the sun has a serious side. Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service (CFRS) is asking everyone to take extra care when cooking al fresco, especially when lighting barbecues and enjoying the warmer weather.

Advice includes:

• 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.

•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.

• Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby