Light my fi re

LIGHT MY FIRE

Nothing beats the warmth and ambience of a flickering fire. It doesn’t matter if you’re burning wood or gas — the comfort and charm of flame is eternal.

STORY: YOUSSEF SAUDIE. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

With winter upon us, the chilling question is: how am I going to stay warm? Barbeques Galore proprietor Jason Bathman says it starts with “igniting passion around the flame”. “Deep down we’re all still cavemen and we all enjoy the warmth of a flickering flame,” he said. Managing the Shepparton business for more than 25 years, what Jason loves most is helping his customers. “Making sure that they’re getting the right product that suits their needs—products that create warmth among friendship and family.” So when it comes to cold mornings and nights, what do you do about it? There are a few options. “The charm and the appeal of a wood heater might be a secondary form of heating for the homeowners,” Jason said. “It’s like when you stand out in the morning sun, it gives you that radiant heat and that really nice feeling. “Sometimes your split-systems and other forms of heating does not give that warmth that you can get back up to and feel nice and cosy.” He said there was still the effort of having to collect wood, so that’s why people can opt for gas log fireplaces. But keeping warm will also come in handy if you want to invite people around for dinner.

Jason Bathman from Barbeques Galore is passionate about helping people with their seasonal needs.

“The pizza ovens are always popular—the Bucshbeck, which combines the warmth of an outdoor fireplace that can also be used as an outdoor barbecue and pizza oven for entertainment,” Jason said. “Or you could get a small round fire pit with a cooking grill, that is good to entertain the kids with some marshmallows on cold nights like now.” He suggests getting in quick to be first in line for your fire favourites.