Retail giant Amazon has removed a number of barbecues – designed explicitly for use on balconies – from its website following serious fire safety concerns which were highlighted to the retailer by the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
The Brigade’s Deputy Commissioner, Richard Mills, wrote to Amazon and other companies that stock or manufacture the products last month, stating that balcony BBQs are a ‘serious concern’ with regards to public safety.
Amazon and gift retailer Menkind both responded to the LFB.
They confirmed that they had removed the items from their websites and that they had contacted customers who had purchased them, offering a full refund if they return or dispose of the barbecues.
Deputy Commissioner Mills is now urgently asking anyone who has purchased a balcony barbecue and who have received an email from one of these companies, not to ignore the warnings and to take the risks seriously.
Deputy Commissioner Mills said:
“We welcome the prompt and crucial action taken by both Menkind and Amazon in response to the concerns we raised.
“We advise that people never barbecue on their balconies as balcony fires can be devastating.
“Products designed specifically for people to barbecue on their balconies are incredibly irresponsible, and we are now asking customers to take action immediately and not to ignore the warning.
“The fact these companies took such swift action to take these products off the shelves shows what a very real risk they are.
“However, we remain deeply concerned that other companies did not respond to my letter and that these products may still be available for sale and customers are unaware of the dangers of using them.”
A spokesperson for Amazon said:
“SafetySafety is extremely important to Amazon.
“As soon as the London Fire Brigade raised concerns and new evidence about these particular products we took quick action, removed them from sale and contacted customers.
“We value the expertise of the London Fire Brigade and are committed to working closely with them and other relevant authorities on these matters.
“If customers ever have a concern about an item they’ve purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service team directly so we can investigate and take appropriate action.”
The Brigade gave companies until 10th July to respond to the letter and also contacted Trading Standards and asked them to investigate.
LFB Firefighters have attended more than 600 balcony fires in London in the last three years, including one at a block of flats in Deptford in May which was caused by a barbecue being disposed of in a plastic bag.
Dozens of residents were evacuated from the building, and several people were permanently displaced.
Menkind’s Marketing Director, Fred Prego, said:
“Our customers’ health and safety is of utmost importance, and we have taken swift action following fire safety concerns from the London Fire Brigade over the balcony barbecue product.
“We immediately removed this product from sale and contacted Menkind customers who purchased it, advising them not to use it on balconies and that they can return it for a full refund.
“Menkind is committed to complying with the latest product safety laws and regulations and we continuously collaborate with relevant authorities on the matter.”
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