Stop Grill Fires From Starting With These Tips

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

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Having your dinner on the grill and your family enjoying your backyard is exactly what summer calls for, but it is important to prioritize safety amidst all the fun. Grilling is a fantastic way to prepare a meal, but it is also one of the more hazardous cooking methods due to the presence of an open flame.

While we are all for a backyard barbecue, we do like to remind everyone of the safety considerations to take in order to prevent fires.

Many people do not realize that grill fires are a frequent issue, occurring around 5,700 times a year as reported by the U.S. Fire Administration. However, by being a safe grillmaster, you can significantly reduce the chances that one will occur.

Safety Considerations to Prevent Grill Fires

Create a safe zone around your grill. Placing your grill in a convenient spot may seem like the most important thing, but we like to urge people to keep safety in mind as well. At least three feet around your grill should be free of flammable materials so there is no chance of a flare-up spreading to nearby objects.

Clean your grill grates often. With each use, your grill grates can become saturated with food and grease that have become stuck over time. Brushing down your grates after each use is always recommended—not only will this keep your grill’s temperatures consistent, but it will also prevent these food bits from becoming too hot and catching fire.

Never leave the grill unattended. Catching a grill fire before it gets out of hand can be the difference in a small incident and a large emergency, so never walk away from the grill when it is lit. If you have to take a break, have someone swap in for you, and always keep a fire extinguisher within arms’ reach.

Inspect the grill regularly. As with anything, grills can wear down with age, especially those that are gas-powered. Doing a visual inspection before each use can help you suss out any gas leaks safely so you can repair them before using your grill again.

If you have a grill fire that does damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us anytime (816)224-5300, day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.