Check BBQ before firing up this Aus Day

Backyard chefs preparing to sizzle a few snags on the barbie this Australia Day are being reminded to keep their eyes on the job.

Firefighters have so far been called to more than 40 barbecue-related incidents across NSW this year.

"We've had incidents where people have left the cooking alone and food on the barbecue has caught fire," a Fire and Rescue NSW spokeswoman said on Monday.

"In other cases the gas bottle hasn't been connected properly to the barbecue and that's led to fires and gas leaks," she told AAP.

Barbecue lovers are being urged to make sure all gas hoses and connections are fitted correctly, to replace expired or damaged gas cylinders and always have an adult in charge.

"If you're drinking alcohol, be particularly careful," the spokeswoman said.