Can you use a gas BBQ on Fire Ban days?

pauline · Guru

Can you use a gas BBQ on Fire Ban days?

Grams · Guru

Hi,

Both Les and I have always wondered, but we were never sure if you can use a gas BBQ (like the Weber Q) when there is a fire ban for that day or season?

I have heard you can't use an open flame, so open fires etc are out, but I'm not sure about gas BBQs. We have a Weber Q to take with us when we want to BBQ.

Also while I think about it...does anyone have a web site for the weather, showing storms, wind gusts, etc. coming in to the area you are in?

reglynn · Guru

To me a gas bbq has a enclosed flame, where there are no sparks like a open fire. So i would say you could have a bbq

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Only indoors or under cover on total fire-ban days.

Roving-Dutchy · Guru

All the weather sites obtain their information from this source http://www.bom.gov.au/index.shtml this site will cover you where ever you are in Australia, this site also has advice if it is a total fire ban in the state you are in, each state may differ as to regards to the rules, about, gas fire barbecues and you would need to check re the area you are in, these are the rules for a total fire ban in NSW http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=1110

Cheers

David

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Thanks Roving Dutchy... for 40 years we've adhered to the "rule" I just posted, and its out of date!

BruDi · Senior Member

This is from the CFS in South Australia. I'm sure it will be the same in other states.

http://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/fire_restrictions/what_can_i_do_what_cant_i_do.jsp#CanIUseGasBBQ

Can I use a gas or electric barbecue?

YES (Within fire ban season)

Providing:
The BBQ is clear of all flammable material to a distance of at least 4 metres;
A person who is able to control the fire is present at the site of the fire until it is extinguished;
An appropriate extinguisher is at hand.

YES (on a total fire ban day)

A gas or electric barbecue can be used:
within 15 metres of a domestic premises, OR
on a coastal foreshore

Providing:
The BBQ is clear of all flammable material to a distance of at least 4 metres;
A person who is able to control the fire is present at the site of the fire until it is extinguished;
An appropriate extinguisher is at hand.

Some local councils allow gas or electric barbecues in caravan parks or cleared picnic areas. Look for signs or contact the council for advice.

Can I use a kettle BBQ?

YES (Within fire ban season)

Provided that:
The BBQ is clear of all flammable material to a distance of at least 4 metres;
A person who is able to control the fire is present at the site of the fire until it is extinguished;
An appropriate extinguisher is at hand.

NO (on a total fire ban day)

A solid fuel burning kettle BBQ (one that uses fuel such as wood, charcoal or heat beads) cannot be used unless you obtain a Schedule 10 permit from your local council.

A gas-fired kettle bbq can be used if used within 15 metres of a domestic premises or on a coastal foreshore, providing that:
The BBQ is clear of all flammable material to a distance of at least 4 metres;
A person who is able to control the fire is present at the site of the fire until it is extinguished;
An appropriate extinguisher is at hand.

Grams · Guru

Thank you all that's brilliant. Now we definitely know lol

Member

You can try http://www.willyweather.com.au especially for tidal info in the local area you may be in which may not be covered else where.

Sheba · Guru

http://www.willyweather.com.au

leevin · Senior Member

BruDi is correct.
Simple answer.....yes.
Common sense would be handy also.

grahamg · Senior Member

If it is in National Park, you can't use it on a total fire ban even a gas stove inside a tent is banned.

herbie · Guru

I would never use a gas stove/Bbq insiide a tent at any time.

Dunmowin · Guru

Sheba wrote:
http://www.willyweather.com.au

Also while I think about it...does anyone have a web site for the weather, showing storms, wind gusts, etc. coming in to the area you are in?

Agree with sheba on web site for weather. When living in QLD always used BOM, however since being in SA for so long found Willy Weather invaluable. you can get 7 days forcast in one view. Temperature, rain forecast, tides, wind - everything

neilnruth · Guru

I was quite confused when we were freecamping last week. The signs said 'Total Fire Ban' No fires without a permit and yet, several made camp fires where we were camped. One morning a council guy stopped and spoke to someone who had a fire - but he mustn't have told him to put it out as it kept burning. I was happier when it rained that night and put all their fires out!!

-- Edited by neilnruth on Wednesday 27th of March 2013 09:24:20 PM

sandsmere · Guru

I would think Common Sense would come into play here .

If the area is covered by a Total Fire Ban , common sense should tell you not to light a fire in the open at all .

Not sure there's all that much Common Sense out there sometimes though . cry

jetj · Guru

I don't know the rules offhand but check RFS sites for the state you're in. I think there might be some restrictions for gas barbies in clearance around it and where it is etc but it changes and may vary for different states.

herbie · Guru

There sure is some nutter out there !!! a sign saying Tottal Fire BAN means just that. ..Maybe the coucile worker was as stupid as these people. I would of asked for them to put the fire out or rang the police.This is how a lot of out of control fires start,as they would not have had a great deal of water on hand to put out a fire if it happened to get away from them.These are the people who are making free camping less and less attractive to Goverments by behaving in such a non care responsible manner.

neilnruth · Guru

Well herbie in this case, they would have had good water supply for putting out the fires - thankfully - we were all camped by a good river. That maybe why they got away with the fires. But I still can't understand why they were allowed to have them with the signs.

Comebak-Wilson · Veteran Member

There used to be a law that allowed wood fires below the high water mark on a beach, during fire ban days.
There again I was in nappies at that time