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 According to the National Fire Protection Association, between
2009 and 2013, US fire departments responded to an average of 8,900
grill-related fires per year, which caused an annual average of ten
civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries and $118 million in direct
property damage. Grill usage peaks in the summer months, so it is
not surprising that nearly 60% of grill fires nationwide occur
between May and August.
Residents should also be aware of grill-related, non-fire burns. In
2014, hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 5,200 patients for
burns caused by contact with hot grill surfaces. Of those, about one
third were children under five years old.
“There’s nothing quite like a flame-grilled burger during the
summer,” said State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “Since well over half
of grill fires happen between May and August, we’re asking residents
to stay vigilant as they prepare their summer meals.”
 Fortunately, most grill fires and non-fire injuries are preventable
if residents are proactive and cautious. The National Fire
Protection Association provides the following tips:
Barbecue grills of all kinds should only be used outdoors and
kept away from the home, any overhanging branches and deck railings.
Never leave a grill unattended. Always keep children and pets a
minimum of three feet away from the grilling area. Keeping your
grill clean by scrubbing any grease or fat from the grill and trays
below before lighting also helps prevent grease fires. Roughly one
in five gas grill fires starts due to a failure to clean grill
surfaces.
Propane and gas grills are involved in five out of every six
grill fires, and the NFPA provides the following advice for users of
gas grills:
Always have your gas grill lid open when lighting it The most
common way for a propane grill to catch fire is through a gas leak.
You should check for a gas leak before the first time you use your
grill each year.
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To check for a gas leak, apply a light soap and water
solution to the hose. If the hose releases bubbles, turn off both
the grill and the gas tank.
If the leak stops, have your grill professionally serviced before
you use it again If the leak does not stop, call your fire
department. If you smell gas while cooking, back away from the grill
immediately and call your fire department. If the flame goes out
while you’re cooking, turn both the grill and gas off and wait for
at least 5 minutes before re-lighting. Residents using charcoal
grills should observe the following:
Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of
children and away from heat sources.
Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have
already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible
liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
When you finish grilling, let the coals completely cool
before disposing them in a metal container.
With the right precautions, grilling outside can be a safe, fun and
tasty summer activity for friends and family. For more fire and
grilling safety tips, check out
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information.
[Office of the Illinois State Fire
Marshal Matt Perez]
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