September 6, 2021
Going to do a little cooking on the grill this Labor Day holiday? Fairfax County Fire and Rescue would like to remind all residents about grilling safely. Here are some safety tips for a happy and safe cookout experience:![]()
Never leave your grill unattended or place combustibles too close to grill. These are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home fires. Use charcoal lighter fluid only before the fire is lit. If you try to make a fire bigger by adding more fluid, the heat from the coals may ignite the stream of fuel and burn back into the can, causing it to explode in your hands. Never use gasoline to start a fire – it is much too dangerous to use on grills. Try using a U.L. approved electrical starter in place of lighter fluid. Never use a grill on apartment or condominium balconies. This practice is one of the biggest dangers with grills. It is unsafe and against the law. Place grills away from structures so they will not tip over or ignite objects above them. Keep a garden hose or a portable fire extinguisher handy in case the fire gets out of control. Never bring a grill into the home. The carbon monoxide produced by burning charcoal can be dangerous, even deadly, in an enclosed space. Keep children and pets away from fires and grills. Declare a three foot “safe zone” around the grill. It only takes a second for curiosity to cause a serious burn. Though coals may appear to be cool, always soak them with water. Coals retain enough heat to reignite for days after the fire. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill. If your bag of charcoal gets wet, leave it in a well ventilated area away from the house. During the drying process spontaneous ignition can occur in confined areas.
This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
