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QUINCY, Mass. — As people dust off their grills for outdoor cooking in the warmer months ahead, the National Fire Protection Association offers safety tips and guidelines to help ensure the grilling season remains fire-safe: * For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks.
* Keep grills clean. Make sure to remove all grease and fat buildup from the grills and trays below.
* Place grills far from the home, deck railings, eaves or overhanging branches.
* Before lighting a gas-powered grill, always make sure the lid is open.
* Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area.
* If using starter fluid with charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire once it has been lit.
When finishing grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing them in a metal container.
* Never leave grills unattended when in use.
NFPA data show that between 2019 and 2023, gas grills were involved in an average of 9,287 home fires per year, including 4,682 structure fires and 4,605 outdoor fires. In roughly one-fifth of these fires, the grill had not been cleaned.
In addition, an annual average of 21,682 patients between 2020 and 2024 went to emergency rooms because of grill-related injuries, according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data.
