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Be prepared this bushfire season: LPG cylinders and tanks

Make sure you’re prepared for bushfire threats to your family and property.

Western Australian summer brings warm weather and the looming threat of bushfires.

Bushfire season in WA generally runs between November and April in the South West and June to late October in the north, so it’s vital we understand the risks and maintain survival planning for a quick response to a bushfire emergency.

We’ve gathered some helpful information and contacts to better prepare you for another hot summer.


Bushfire season safety for LPG cylinders and bulk tanks

Following these procedures can improve your safety while limiting the potential of your LPG cylinders and bulk tanks to increase fire damage.

Pre-summer LPG cylinder check
  • Ensure your gas cylinders are positioned upright on a sturdy base.
  • Safety relief valves should face away from buildings and each other.
  • Keep combustible materials a minimum of 1.5m away from gas cylinders or tanks.
  • Make sure gas cylinder/tank valves can be easily turned off in an emergency.
If fire approaches
  • Ring 000 and follow their directions.
  • Turn your gas cylinder valve off (in a clockwise direction).
  • Leave all gas cylinders in an upright position. (The safety relief valve will protect the gas cylinder if exposed to excessive temperatures.)
  • Make sure no cylinders are stored indoors or underneath your property, including Kwik-Gas BBQ cylinders.
  • If exposed to heat and safe to do so, hose down the cylinders with water to reduce pressure.
  • If your bulk tank site has a pumping station, activate the emergency shutoff valve by pressing the  “Shut Emergency Stop” button.
Never do the following
  • Never place gas cylinders indoors during a fire as it can present a hazard to firefighters.
  • Never lay cylinders on their side.
  • Never cover cylinders with wet material to keep cool – they may dry out and burn, heating the cylinder.

More information on the safe storage and maintenance of your LPG tanks in the lead up to bushfire season is also available in our Help Centre.

It’s also a good idea to develop a bushfire survival plan and survival kit, so you’re ready to act in an emergency. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have helpful resources to get you started:


Alerts and updates

Social media

Smartphone app

Emergency contacts to keep with you

  • Fire or life-threatening emergencies, call 000
  • SES Assistance, call 13 25 00
  • Emergency information, call 13 33 37