With summer barbeques just over the horizon, Victoria’s firefighters are urging people to conduct a quick safety check before igniting.
Fire Rescue Commissioner Ken Block said that last financial year, Fire and Rescue Victoria responded to 185 calls for barbecue-related fires, while the Country Fire Authority (CFA) responded to 190.
Commissioner Block said people should leak-test the gas cylinder every time they connected it to their barbeque.
“Firefighters attend dozens of avoidable barbecue fires every year, so it’s important to know the drill before you grill,” Commissioner Block said.
“Never leave cooking unattended and be sure to take a few minutes to inspect the gas bottle and connection,” he said.
“Doing these simple checks can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
“If your barbecue does catch fire, remember to call Triple Zero (000), and if it is safe to do so, turn off the gas at the meter or cylinder.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it was simple to check the connection on a gas barbecue – “just spray the hose and regulator connections with soapy water before turning it on”.
“Soapy bubbles will appear if gas is leaking,” CO Heffernan said.
“If this happens, turn off the gas and correct or replace the connections.”
Further information on barbeque safety can be accessed at this PS News link.
