Around 5 p.m. yesterday evening fire crews responded to 1809 Obrien Street for a report of a woman that had suffered burns caused by a propane cylinder on fire that was attached to a BBQ.
"Fire crews were on scene in four minutes to extinguish the fire," said Deputy Chief Greg Saunders. "Paramedics treated the homeowner for minor burns."
In Canada, propane cylinders have to be replaced every 10 years, unless it is inspected and re-qualified. The date the cylinder was last qualified can be found on the collar of the tank.
Lighting the barbeque
- Always open the lid before lighting so that gas does not build up.
- Open the cylinder valve first, then the burner. Immediately use the igniter switch.
- If you do not have a working igniter switch, have your barbeque lighter handy when you are preparing to light the grill.
- If the burner does not ignite, with the lid open, turn off the gas and wait five minutes before trying again.
- When finished using the barbeque, close the propane cylinder first followed by the burner controls. This way, propane does not get trapped in the hose when the grill is not in use.
Everyday use
- Use gas grills outdoors only. Even grilling in the garage with the door open does not allow for enough ventilation.
- Position your barbeque at least three meters away from windows, doors, wooden fences and walls, and branches.
- Never use lighter fluid, gasoline or other accelerants on the grill.
- Keep children and pets away from the barbeque especially when in use.
- Keep loose clothing away from a hot barbecue.
- Use long-handled tongs and brushes while grilling. It puts you at a safer distance away from the flames.
- Never move a lit barbeque.
- Make sure the barbeque is turned off, and completely cooled before covering.
