Fire Safety - Grill Smart

Washington summers are perfect for outdoor grilling—sunny skies, fresh air, and time with family and friends. As you fire up the grill, keep safety in mind to ensure your gatherings stay fun and fire-free. According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2020-2024, an average of 21,682 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. Don’t be a statistic. Follow these simple tips and enjoy your summer cookouts by grilling smart.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

• Make sure your grill is on a flat, level surface (like a concrete pad).

• 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 your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

• When in use, it should be kept in an open space, away from anything that may catch fire, including siding, deck railings, eaves or tree branches.

• Always use long-handled grilling utensils.

• Keep a 3-foot safety zone clear around your grill clear—no tripping hazards, kids or pets.

• Wear appropriate clothing – any loose clothing or apron strings that aren’t tied back could interfere with the cooking process and even catch fire. If clothing does catch fire, remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL.

• Keep a spray bottle close by—quickly extinguish small flare ups from fat drippings.

• Keep a fire extinguisher close by for a fire that cannot be contained by an application of water spray.

• Never leave your grill unattended!

  
  

Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Fire Administration

CHARCOAL GRILLS

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

• There are also electric charcoal starters that do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.

• When finished with grilling, let the charcoal cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

PROPANE GRILLS

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using your grill for the first time each year.

• Apply a light soapy water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.

• If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the 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 move the grill. 

• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before relighting it.

Sources: nfpa.org, usfa.fema.gov, firstalert.ca