CFA issues warning on barbecue fires

THE Melbourne Cup has been run and won, but the CFA has advised people to check their barbecues and make sure their punt isn’t wasted on an unexpected house fire.
CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said the coming months of the year were when firefighters were most often called out to barbecue fires.
“The statistics are clear – from about October until around April every year we respond to a lot more barbecue-related incidents. Three quarters of all barbecue fires CFA attended in the past year occurred during these months.”
He said it was quick and easy to check your barbecue, and that most incidents could be avoided if a little more care is taken.
“Spending a few minutes to inspect the barbecue’s connection can keep you and your loved ones safe, and means our firefighters won’t have to interrupt your weekend.
“It is simple, just spray the hose and regulator connections with soapy water before firing up the barbecue – if you see bubbles, gas is escaping and you have an issue. If you’re unsure, turn the gas  off and replace the connection or contact a licensed gasfitter.
“If you want to barbecue, you must check that your barbecue’s gas cylinder, hose and connections are working properly.”
He said with temperatures going past 40 degrees in some parts of Victoria last week, it was not the time to be complacent.
“We all love a barbecue when it’s hot, so it’s important yours is safe. If the connections on your barbecue are loose, the hose has perished or the cylinder has been damaged you could be putting your loved ones at risk of serious injury or even death.”
CFA is also warning all Victorians planning on going camping to exercise extreme caution around campfires.
“Under no circumstances leave a campfire unattended and if there is a Total Fire Ban, you cannot light an open fire at all,” Mr Warrington said.
For more information on what you can and can’t do during a Total Fire Ban or Fire Danger period, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can.