Barbecue restrictions and safety

During the Fire Danger Season there are restrictions placed on the use of barbecues for the safety of everyone. If you're planning on cooking in a solid fuel barbecue such as a Weber during this season, please ensure you have a back-up plan in case the CFS declares a Total Fire Ban.

You can find a four-day forecast of fire bans and ratings on the CFS website to assist in your planning and preparation for barbecue use. Any official declaration will be made at 5pm the day prior.

A Total Fire Ban extends from midnight to midnight on the day. Please read the following information carefully and plan to have a back-up cooking method ready during Fire Danger Season.

The use of solid fuel barbecues such as Webers, charcoal rotisseries, wood-fired pizza ovens, and smokers that use briquettes, charcoal, or timber as the heat source is strictly prohibited on Total Fire Ban days.

Gas and electric barbecues can be used on Total Fire Ban days, if;

• The barbecue is within 15 metres of domestic or commercial premises, or,
• The gas or electric barbecue is a permanent fixture in a Caravan Park or on a Council Reserve, and,

you adhere to all of the following three criteria:

1. There is a 4-metre area, cleared of all flammable vegetation, around and above the barbecue.
2. A responsible person who can control the fire is in attendance at all times with water or an extinguisher at hand.
3. The barbecue is completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Solid fuel, gas or electric barbecues can be used during the Fire Danger Season, providing:

• There is a four-metre area, cleared of all flammable vegetation, around and above the barbeque.
• A responsible person who can control the fire is in attendance at all times with water or an extinguisher at hand.
• The barbecue is completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Wood-fired pizza ovens are also permitted to be used during the Fire Danger Season (not on Total Fire Ban Days) providing the pizza oven complies with the CFS code of practice.