Grilling Safety Tips From Fire Department

A release from the Stoneham Fire Department, but here's a guess that every local fire department would endorse these tips for making summer grilling safer:

With summer weather now upon us, fire departments everywhere would like to remind residents of several important safety tips as they head outside to grill.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, fire departments in the state responded to 487 fires involving grills, hibachis and barbecues between 2012 and 2016. These fires caused 22 civilian injuries, three firefighter injuries and $4.5 million in property damage.

One example occurred last year when the Stoneham Fire Department responded to a house fire when a resident attempted to light charcoal in a gas grill, which caused the pressure relief valve to release and ignite the rear of the house and deck. A construction worker, who was on scene at the time, suffered burns while attempting to extinguish the fire.

"Before operating a grill, we ask that residents familiarize themselves with the correct way to use their device," Stoneham Chief Matthew Grafton said. "Our hope is that by having residents review these safety tips that we can prevent fires, injuries and property damage."

Safety First

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
• Place grills away from the house, deck railings and out from underneath eaves or overhanging branches.
• Grills should only be used on first floor porches, decks, or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders.
• Never leave a burning grill unattended.

Gas Grill Safety

• Make sure the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
• Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas.
• Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
• Check the propane tank hose for potential leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle. See if any bubbles appear around the hose. If no bubbles appear, the grill is safe to use.
• If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off and move away from it. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
• Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area. Cylinders should not be used, stored or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures.

Charcoal Grill Safety

• Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never use gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals.
• Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes emit carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
• Properly dispose of grill ashes. Allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.

Photo by Bob Holmes