Portable decorative ethanol burners will be banned in Western Australia pending further safety investigations after accidents throughout the nation resulted in severe burns.
An immediate 60-day interim ban will begin from midnight on Tuesday until a further assessment by Consumer Protection, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and other agencies.
More WA News Videos
- Video duration
- 00:29
The danger of ethanol burners
The danger of ethanol burners
Got one of these ethanol burners? They'll be banned in WA from December 21.
Up Next
Police shut down party in Heathridge
- Video duration
- 01:45
- Video duration
- 01:45
Police shut down party in Heathridge
Police shut down party in Heathridge
A wild party in Perth's north was shut down overnight after dozens of teenagers gate crashed the celebration. Vision: Nine News Perth.
Up Next
Woman stabbed in Joondalup court
- Video duration
- 02:24
- Video duration
- 02:24
Woman stabbed in Joondalup court
Woman stabbed in Joondalup court
A woman in her 30s died after she was stabbed at Joondalup court on Tuesday morning. Vision: Nine News Perth.
Up Next
How is Perth Stadium going?
- Video duration
- 01:29
- Video duration
- 01:29
How is Perth Stadium going?
How is Perth Stadium going?
Ron Alexander shares some insights into how the new Perth Stadium is shaping up.
Up Next
Top five computer games for Christmas
- Video duration
- 05:27
- Video duration
- 05:27
Top five computer games for Christmas
Top five computer games for Christmas
94.5's Pete Curelli and Daniel Van Der Meer take some time away from their podcast Game On Australia to share their picks for the perfect Christmas present.
Up Next
What happens when you win lotto?
- Video duration
- 02:00
- Video duration
- 02:00
What happens when you win lotto?
What happens when you win lotto?
It's a dream for many but only a handful of lucky people will get to experience the process of what happens if you come across those winning numbers.
Up Next
Woman dies after being stabbed inside Joondalup courthouse
- Video duration
- 00:33
- Video duration
- 00:33
Woman dies after being stabbed inside ...
Woman dies after being stabbed inside Joondalup courthouse
A woman in her 30s has died after she was stabbed at Joondalup court this morning. Vision: Nine News Perth.
The danger of ethanol burners
Got one of these ethanol burners? They'll be banned in WA from December 21.
A 28-year-old Perth woman was seriously burnt on her face and upper body after an ethanol burner exploded in the backyard of her home in October, followed by two people who were injured in Queensland.
Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said 113 injuries and 115 fire incidents had been reported throughout Australia since 2010.
"These worrying statistics may just be the tip of the iceberg, as we believe there could be many more incidents and injuries involving decorative ethanol burners that have not been reported to consumer agencies and fire emergency services," he said.
Mr Mischin said the biggest danger was when consumers re-fuelled the burner when it was still lit or warm.
"When the fuel is low, the flame can appear blue or clear, making it difficult to see," he said.
"There is also a risk of the burner being knocked over, especially by children or pets, potentially causing serious burns to people nearby as well as damage to property."
The interim ban does not affect products with a power output of more than 4.5 kilowatts and those used for heating food.
Ethanol fireplaces in fixed positions are also not included, but further investigations are being carried out, Mr Mischin said.
The 28-year-old injury victim, who does not want to be identified, spoke out on Tuesday about her ordeal.
"A fireball basically came out from where the candle was sitting in my direction and it hit me, setting me on fire," the woman said.
"I took my jacket off...it wouldn't go out no matter how much I patted it down.
"There was a fair amount of damage done.
"I support the ban 100 per cent.
"If this were to happen to an elderly person or a child, they may not be coping as well as what I am.
"I think its super important to not only get them off the market but to get them out of people's homes."
Penalties for selling banned products include a maximum fine of $220,000 for individuals, while corporations face a maximum fine of $1.1 million.
- with AAP