CFA and Parks Victoria are reminding picnic makers to be fire safe this Australia Day as the weather begins to heat up.

Australia Day is traditionally celebrated with a barbecue, as family and friends gather in the region’s many parks and reserves to enjoy good food, great company and the warm, sunny conditions.

For many picnic makers, portable solid fuel barbecues are a popular choice—and understandably so, says CFA Manager Community Safety David Allen.

“Wood-fired barbecues taste great—we all know that,” said Mr Allen. “But on hot days, wood or coal-fired barbecues can be a fire risk and a threat to public safety.

“On days of Total Fire Ban, it is illegal to light solid fuel portable barbecues and under current Fire Danger Period rules, lighting a fire is not permitted if the wind speed is in excess of 10kph.

“Wood sparks or hot coals left on dry grass can easily ignite and spread quickly, posing a threat to both people and property, so it’s important that barbecues are properly supervised and extinguished—and any remaining wood or coal is bagged up and taken away to be disposed of appropriately,” said Mr Allen.

Parks Victoria Chief Ranger Phil Ross said many parks provide special areas for portable solid fuel barbecue use.

“These areas are clearly signed and remind people of their obligations to be fire safe and to clean up after themselves.

“We want everyone to enjoy the region’s beautiful parks but we want them to do it safely and responsibly,” said Mr Ross.

At present, Outer Metro Melbourne, and rural and regional Victoria, is under Fire Danger Period restrictions. To understand the difference between the Fire Danger Period and Total Fire Ban—and what is and isn’t permitted—download a copy of the Can I or Can’t I? brochure, available from CFA’s website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au, and have it nearby as a handy reference whenever you are outdoors.

To find a park near you, contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or go to www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Source: CFA Region HQ