Ethanol burner ban extended after spate of accidents
Victoria and Western Australia have extended bans on portable ethanol burners linked to house fires and a spate of injuries, as authorities consider a national ban.
More than 100 serious injuries have been reported across Australian, including a 28-year-old WA woman who suffered burns to her face and upper body.
On that occasion, authorities say the woman was "badly burned by an exploding ethanol burner" in what's been described as a "horrendous backyard accident".
The 28-year-old burns victim. Source: Department of Commerce WA.
The Victorian government enforced an interim 60-day ban on selling portable decorative ethanol burners in December, but announced on Friday it will be extended for another 30 days.
WA's Department of Commerce issued a similar statement, confirming its ethanol ban would be extended.
"Anyone still using an ethanol-fuelled burner at their home is advised to stop doing so immediately,” Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe said.
“The biggest danger is re-fuelling while it is still lit or warm. When the fuel is low, the flame can appear blue or clear, making it difficult to see.
"There is also a risk of the burner being knocked over, especially by children or pets.”
Figures show ethanol burners are to blame for at least 29 house fires since 2010.
The ban does not apply to ethanol fireplaces installed in a fixed position, or those products with a power output of more than 4.5 kW and those used in the heating or warming of food.
