Chop out barbecue risks, firies warn

A RESERVOIR man burnt after using petrol to light his barbecue delivered a brutal reminder of summer’s backyard fire threats.

Flames flared when the man, in his 30s, poured petrol to try to light his barbecue, resulting in superficial burns to his back and abdomen.

The man was rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he was later discharged in a stable condition.

Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman Susannah Wilson said care with any flame was essential.

“The man was very lucky,” Ms Wilson said. “We urge anyone firing (the barbecue) up for the first time this season to check it is safe to use.”

Rob Taylor, assistant chief fire officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, said the use of accelerants should be avoided. “If you’re not familiar with using petrol, it can go off at an explosive level and do a lot of damage,” Mr Taylor said.

He said all barbecues should be checked at the start of the season and kept away from flammable walls and vegetation.

“Enjoy the outdoors and the good weather, but be careful around any barbecue,” Mr Taylor said.

He warned against the over-consumption of alcohol around fires and said children should always be monitored.

“Children and alcohol drinkers are among the predominantly hurt,” he said. “Children shouldn’t be left unattended anywhere near naked flames and lighters should be left out of reach.”

The brigade attends 47 barbecue fires each year in its service area, including 12 in Darebin since 2006-07, with residents suffering an average loss of $3100 per fire.

Mr Taylor said poor maintenance, like a damaged or leaking gas hose, poor gas connection or a failure to clean the barbecue accounted equally for most call-outs, followed by barbecues left unattended while in use and inappropriate use.

“Combined, these categories represent two-thirds of all barbecue fires MFB attends,” Mr Taylor said.

For more information on summer fire safety, log on to mfb.vic.gov.au.

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