A garden barbecue sparked a devastating fire that gutted three homes and several cars in Coventry, with firefighters battling the blaze for hours. The incident occurred on Feilding Close in the Walsgrave area on Monday, July 6, when a gas barbecue used in a garden ignited a fence, rapidly spreading to a shed and neighbouring properties.
Fire Spread Quickly, Destroying Multiple Homes
West Midlands Fire Service responded to the call shortly before 3pm. The fire, which started from the barbecue, quickly engulfed a fence and then a shed before reaching three homes. Around a quarter of the roofs above the affected houses had to be removed to access hotspots. Fire crews remained at the scene until late evening, damping down remaining hotspots and conducting several revisits through the night to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
Photographs published by CoventryLive revealed the extensive damage, showing charred structures and destroyed vehicles. No injuries were reported among residents, but two people received self-care advice at the scene. A fire service crew member was assessed by ambulance staff and discharged without further treatment, while a second patient declined treatment.
Safety Warnings from Fire Service
West Midlands Fire Service issued a safety warning following the incident. A spokesman said: “Having barbecues in the garden should be safe and enjoyable, but it's all too easy to be distracted by friends and family while you're cooking. Never pour petrol, meths or other accelerants on to a barbecue. Some of the worst barbecue-related burns we see happen when people do this and the barbecue 'explodes' in their face.”
The fire service emphasized the importance of placing barbecues on a flat, stable surface away from fences, sheds, and overhanging trees, and never leaving them unattended. They also advised keeping a bucket of water or garden hose nearby.
Ambulance Service Response
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed they were called just before 3pm to the fire on Feilding Close. One ambulance attended the scene, where they assessed a fire service crew member who required no further treatment and a second patient who declined treatment. Both were given self-care advice and discharged at the scene.
The fire has left three families displaced, with the homes uninhabitable. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, linked to the gas barbecue. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of outdoor cooking if safety precautions are not followed.
