A COUPLE in Hampshire were saved from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning having brought a barbecue into their home.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have issued a warning to residents about the dangers posed by barbecues.

One crew from Hightown Fire Station was sent to the Upper New Road area of West End at 1.53am after the middle-aged couple brought the fire pit barbecue into the conservatory.

The fire had gone out but the heat was still giving off carbon monoxide which set off the house alarm.

Watch manager Justin Lee said: “They didn’t realise that you weren’t supposed to have the fires indoors, or even ones that were put out.

“They’re still dangerous even if you think they’re out. If they’re still warm they’re still dangerous.”

Community Safety Group Manager Ty Whitlock said: “People think that a barbecue is safe once the flames are out, but in reality it will still be pumping out carbon monoxide.

“With camping season upon us I would urge people to leave their used barbecues outside their tents. If you don’t the results can prove deadly.

“People just don’t realise they aren’t designed to be brought indoors.

“If the alarm had not gone off the result of this barbecue being left in the conservatory could have been tragic.

“This again highlights the importance of having a working carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm.”

The service says barbecues can emit the poisonous gas for more than 12 hours after they have been put out.

In 2012 a 22-year-old man died in the New Forest having brought one into his camper van, while earlier in the year a six-year-old girl in Gosport died after her parents brought a barbecue into their tent to keep warm while they were camping in the New Forest.

Group Manager Whitlock added: "To ensure your barbecue is safe this summer, set up your barbecue outdoors on level ground away from fences, tents or anything which could catch fire and never leave unattended and have a bucket of water close by.

"Don’t cook if you’re affected by alcohol and keep children and pets away from the cooking area.

"Make sure the coals are cool before you move the barbecue. Once cool, dispose of the ash onto bare garden soil, but never into a dustbin which could melt or catch fire. If in a designated barbecue area in public or on a camp site please use the barbecue bins provided."