SOCCER fans have been warned not to get barmy with their barbecues.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service head of community fire safety Peter McCreesh said: "The last thing we want is for a barbecue party to turn to disaster and end with a visit from firefighters.

"Barbecue fires are often a linked to alcohol consumption and neglecting basic safety."

Safety tips include:

* Barbecues should be sited on level ground away from houses, sheds, fences, and overhanging trees and shrubs and where people do not have to squeeze past it.

* Use firelighters or a few drops of starter fuel. Never use petrol.

* Make sure children and garden games are kept a safe distance away when cooking.

* Dispose of ashes over bare garden soil - never in the dustbin.

* Change gas barbecue cylinders in the open air, ensuring that the controls and cylinder valve are in the off position.

* After cooking turn off the cylinder first before the controls so all the gas is used up in the pipes.