Grilling & Outdoor Cooking
Grills start thousands of home fires every year, most often in summer. Many start because the grill was too close to the house or deck railing, a propane leak went unnoticed, or the grill wasn’t cleaned.
- Homeowners
- Tenants
Photo: gas grill set up on a patio well away from the house, deck railing and overhanging branches
Where to grill
- Outdoors only, never in a garage, tent, porch or any enclosed space. Grills make carbon monoxide. See Smoke & CO Alarms.
- Well away from the house, deck railings, eaves, overhanging branches and anything that can burn.
- On a flat, stable surface.
- Check your rules: many apartment buildings and condos limit or ban grills on balconies. See Tenant Safety Rights.
Gas grills
- Check hoses and connections for leaks each season: brush on soapy water and look for bubbles
- Open the lid before lighting
- If the burner doesn’t light, turn off the gas, wait a few minutes, then try again
- Turn off the tank valve when done
- Store propane tanks outdoors, upright, away from the house, never in a garage or basement
- Transport tanks upright and secured, with windows open, and don’t leave them in a hot car
If you smell gas while cooking, turn off the tank and the burners and move away. If the smell continues, call the fire department from a safe distance. Don’t move the grill. See Gas Leaks.
Charcoal grills
- Use only charcoal starter fluid, or a chimney starter. Never use gasoline.
- Never add starter fluid to coals that are already lit.
- Let coals cool completely, then put them in a metal can with a lid, away from the house.
Every cook
- Keep a kid- and pet-free zone of at least 3 feet around the grill.
- Never leave a lit grill unattended.
- Clean grease and fat buildup from the grill and trays.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby. See Home Fire Prevention.
Standards & references
- NFPA: Grilling safety
- See also: Propane · Home First Aid
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