Warm weather is here, and that means one thing—grilling season is officially on! Backyard cookouts bring family, friends, and fun together, but before you light the charcoal or ignite the gas, make sure you’re following essential grill safety tips to prevent a fire or trip to the ER.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 10,600 home and outdoor grill fires each year, resulting in over $149 million in direct property damage. The good news? Most of these incidents are completely preventable with the right precautions.
Top Grilling Safety Tips to Prevent Fires
Whether you’re cooking with propane or charcoal, safety should always come first. Here are key grilling tips to keep your summer gatherings safe and fire-free:
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Grill outdoors only. Never use a grill inside your home, garage, or other enclosed space. Charcoal grills release carbon monoxide, which is deadly in unventilated areas.
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Keep your grill away from structures. Position your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, sheds, patio furniture, and tree branches.
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Clean the grill after each use. Grease and food buildup can easily ignite. Regular cleaning reduces fire risk.
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Never leave your grill unattended. Fires can spark quickly, even if you step away for just a moment. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
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Grill on a flat, stable surface. Uneven or wobbly surfaces can cause grills to tip. Use a grill pad or splatter mat to protect your deck or patio.
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Use lighter fluid sparingly. For charcoal grills, only use a small amount of charcoal starter fluid, and move the container far from the grill immediately after use. Avoid other flammable liquids entirely.
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Relight gas grills safely. If your flame goes out, turn off the gas, open the lid, and wait at least five minutes before reigniting to let the propane dissipate.
What to Do If a Grill Fire Breaks Out
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. If a grill fire starts:
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Turn off the burners if you’re using a gas grill and it’s safe to do so.
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Remove food from the grill, especially greasy items that could fuel the fire.
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Close the lid to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply.
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Never use water on a grease fire. Water can cause grease to splatter and spread flames. Instead, use sand, baking soda (not baking powder), or kosher salt to smother it
If the propane tank is involved or the fire grows out of control, evacuate the area immediately and call 911.
Reynolds Restoration Services Fire Damage Restoration
Even with proper prevention and safety, grill fires may happen over the Summer. While we hope you don’t need us, we are here 24/7 to respond. Reynolds Restoration Services has been helping homeowners for more than 20 years restore their homes to their pre-loss condition after a fire.
Reynolds Restoration Services is the premier disaster restoration and reconstruction company in the Harrisburg, PA, Philadelphia, PA, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland service areas. Our qualified and dedicated staff can respond to fire, smoke, flood, storm, and mold damage quickly so you can get back into your home as soon as possible.
President of Reynolds Restoration Services. Over 20 years of experience in the emergency restoration industry.