Two hospitalised in Victoria after barbecue explodes

Two men have been hospitalised after a barbecue gas explosion that set fire to the rear of a Melbourne house.

The men were taken to hospital with burns to their arms, faces and chests after a gas leak from a barbecue caused the explosion in Richmond.

MFB Commander Dominic Scarfe said firefighters had responded to eight barbecue fires in the past day and warned people to ensure their barbecues were safe to use.

"First of all, check the hose and regulator connections are safe by spraying them with soapy water," Mr Scarfe said.

"Bubbles will form if gas is escaping."

He said barbecues should be used in clear spaces and cleaned of excess fat to avoid dangerous flare-ups.