Grilling Safety a Priority this
4th of July and Summer
Roughly one-fifth or 20% of grilling fires
were caused by a grill that was not clean
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[July 02, 2024]
The
Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is reminding
Illinoisans to make sure they are following proper safety practices
when using their grills this holiday weekend and throughout the rest
of the summer. July is the peak month for grill fires followed by
June, May and August.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), reports around 64%
of U.S. households own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill or smoker.
Gas grills contribute to a higher number of fires than charcoal
grills. On average, 10,200 home fires are started by a grill each
year. In 2017-2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of
11,421 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year,
including an average of 5,763 structure fires and 5,659 outside or
unclassified fires. Of those reported grilling fires, roughly
one-fifth or 20% were caused by a grill that was not clean. More
than one-quarter of grill structure fires started on an exterior
balcony or open porch. Eight percent began when an outside wall
caught fire; 4% began with some type of structural member or
framing. During the same period, an average of 22,155 patients per
year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.
Nearly half (10,342 or 47%) of the injuries were thermal burns,
including both burns from fire and from contact with hot objects.
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“Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, or smoking your
favorite meat is a popular way many celebrate the summer and the 4th
of July. There are a lot of distraction when you have guests over
making it even more important to ensure you are following safe
grilling habits,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera.
“Injuries such as burns can not only ruin your weekend, but they can
also leave physical and mental scares that can last a lifetime.”
The Office of the State Fire Marshal advises everyone to take these
steps to help ensure a safe summer filled with everyone’s favorite
grilled foods:
Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors
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The grill should be placed away
from the home or deck railing, and out from under eaves of your
home and overhanging tree branches
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from
the grilling area
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the
grills and in trays below the grill
Never leave your grill unattended
Always make sure gas grill lids are open before lighting it
Check the gas tank on your propane grills and hoses for leaks each
time before using
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If you smell gas while grilling, immediately get away
from the grill and call the fire department
Make sure charcoal grill coals are cool before disposing of them in
a metal container
Always have a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or garden hose
nearby or know where you can access one quickly
Bonfires, pit fires and campfires can also create fire safety
dangers during the summer months. Campfires need to be built at
least 25 feet way from tents, shrubs and anything that can burn.
Make sure fires are allowed in the area that you are camping. Use of
chimineas, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits need to be at least 10
feet away from your home or anything that can burn.
For more information about grilling please visit the National Fire
Protection Association’s website at: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Grilling.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |