THE Melbourne Cup has been run and won, but the CFA has advised people to check their barbecues and make sure their punt isn\u2019t wasted on an unexpected house fire.
\nCFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said the coming months of the year were when firefighters were most often called out to barbecue fires.
\n\u201cThe 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.\u201d
\nHe said it was quick and easy to check your barbecue, and that most incidents could be avoided if a little more care is taken.
\n\u201cSpending a few minutes to inspect the barbecue\u2019s connection can keep you and your loved ones safe, and means our firefighters won\u2019t have to interrupt your weekend.
\n\u201cIt 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\u2019re unsure, turn the gas\u00a0 off and replace the connection or contact a licensed gasfitter.
\n\u201cIf you want to barbecue, you must check that your barbecue\u2019s gas cylinder, hose and connections are working properly.\u201d
\nHe said with temperatures going past 40 degrees in some parts of Victoria last week, it was not the time to be complacent.
\n\u201cWe all love a barbecue when it\u2019s hot, so it\u2019s 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.\u201d
\nCFA is also warning all Victorians planning on going camping to exercise extreme caution around campfires.
\n\u201cUnder no circumstances leave a campfire unattended and if there is a Total Fire Ban, you cannot light an open fire at all,\u201d Mr Warrington said.
\nFor more information on what you can and can\u2019t do during a Total Fire Ban or Fire Danger period, head to cfa.vic.gov.au\/warnings-restrictions\/can.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Melbourne Cup has been run and won, but the CFA has advised people to check their barbecues and make sure their punt isn\u2019t 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. \u201cThe statistics […]<\/p>\n