Outdoor Cooking Safety

Warm weekends entice many of us to grab the barbeque sauce and head out to the grill. Northwest Firefighters remind you that using enough heat to cook food can pose scertain hazards and urge you to make sure you’re grilling safely!

The National Fire Protection Association reports:

In 2004-2008, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,700 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including an average of 3,200 structure fires and 4,500 outside fires. These 7,700 fires caused an annual average of 13 civilian deaths (to the nearest ten), 120 civilian injuries and $70 million in direct property damage.

Gas grills were involved in an average of 6,200 home fires, and charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,300 home fires.

More than one-quarter (29%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 28% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 7% started in the kitchen.

More than one-quarter (29%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 28% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 7% started in the kitchen.

Barbecue Safety Tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. Indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a three-foot “safe zone” around the grill.
• Use long-handled grilling tools and avoid loose, long-sleeves..
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

Charcoal Grills

• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of the 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.

Propane Grills

Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame:

• Turn off the gas tank and grill.
• If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• Use only equipment with the label of a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
• Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

For questions or additional safety information. contact northwest Fire Life Safety Services at 520-887-1010.