VICTORIA - Have fun in the sun this summer, but don't let things get too hot. Taking the following safety precautions will keep British Columbians, communities and forests safe, advises the office of the fire commissioner and the gas safety branch.

Propane Barbecues
* Never use barbecues indoors or in enclosed areas like tents or recreational vehicles.
* Place barbecues away from windows and combustible materials.
* Never use barbecues for heating or drying clothes.
* Before lighting, open the lid to prevent any explosive buildup of gas.
* If ignition does not occur immediately, turn off the gas, wait five minutes and try again.
* Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
* When transporting a propane tank, make sure the cylinder is secure and upright, with the valve closed.
* Do not leave propane cylinders in your vehicle.
* Never refill a cylinder that is damaged or out of date (over 10 years old).
* If you smell the rotten-egg odour of propane, do not light matches or use electric equipment. Turn off the gas valve on any outside tanks, and call your propane supplier or fire department immediately.

Propane Appliances can produce dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas that is highly toxic when inhaled in large amounts. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting and shortness of breath. If this happens:
* Move victims into a well-ventilated area.
* Give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if they are not breathing.
* Get medical help immediately.

Campfires and Camping
* Clear a one-metre area around your campfire, removing debris and flammable materials.
* Never start a campfire with gasoline.
* Do not leave a campfire unattended.
* Keep a supply of water on hand to put out the fire if necessary.
* Put the campfire out with water before going to bed or leaving the site.
* Surround the fire with large rocks to prevent it from spreading.

Camp stoves
* Use propane or gas stoves in an open area, away from shrubs, wood, tents and vehicles.
* Place the stove on a level, non-flammable surface.
* Use a base when cooking on uneven ground.
* If ignition does not occur immediately, turn off the gas, wait five minutes to remove any buildup of gas, and try again.

Camping Lamps and Lanterns
* Blow the valve clean before connecting the cylinder to the lantern.
* Never use a lamp with a damaged mantle or without a mantle.
* Use a lamp only for light, and not for heat.

Tents and Trailers
* Pitch tents upwind, a safe distance from the campfire.
* Never refuel stoves or lanterns, cook or use matches or store flammable liquids inside your tent.
* Check and maintain gas connections and vents inside trailers.

Gasoline Safety
* Don't smoke when using gasoline.
* Refuel equipment, boats and vehicles outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
* Refuel equipment only when the engine is turned off and cool.
* Store gasoline in ventilated areas in approved containers, away from flame sources.

Fireworks are designed to burn and explode and must be treated with caution.
* Do not pick up or touch any fireworks found on the ground.
* Children should never play with fireworks; an adult should be present at all times.
* Sparklers are also dangerous and can burn as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Media contact:

Communications Branch
Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services
250 387-4089