Safe Grilling

Whether you use charcoal, wood, gas or electricity for grilling, a moment’s inattention can spell disaster. Below are some fire safety tips to ensure a summer of safe grilling.

Keep grills away from combustibles, including the exterior of your house, balcony or garage.
Check hose integrity and hose connections to make sure gas is not leaking from your gas grill. Apply soapy water to hoses and connections to reveal any leaks.
Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
Never store propane cylinders in your home or garage.
Establish a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the grill, and keep pets from being underfoot.
Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited.
Use only approved charcoal lighter fluid -- never gasoline or other combustibles -- to start charcoal fires.
If your propane tank is more than 3 years old or shows signs of age, get a new one.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
When finished grilling, first turn off the propane at the tank control and then turn off the grill fuel control.
Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and fuel line cracks are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires.
Gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 600 home structure fires and 3,200 outdoor fires in 2001.
Half of all gas and charcoal grill home fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.
Wall coverings, exterior trim, and plants are the leading items first ignited in home outdoor charcoal grill fires.
Gas fuel is the leading item first ignited for home outdoor gas grill fires.
Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are the 2 leading causes for charcoal grill home fires.