JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Summer's here and Joint Base San Antonio residents are already firing up the grill to cook up burgers, brats or fajitas.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, July is the peak month for grill fires. More than half of home grill fires begin on a courtyard terrace or patio, exterior balcony or porch, and about half of the injuries involving grills are thermal burns.
The NFPA reports gas grills constitute a higher risk, having been involved in an annual average of 6,900 home fires from 2005 to 2009, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in an annual average of 1,100 home fires.
JBSA experienced one incident in 2011. A housing resident at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston ignited a fire by disposing of hot coals in a dumpster. So far this year, one housing resident reported a grill fire, but the resident turned off the valve to the gas grill and the fire was out when firefighters arrived.
"After inspecting the grill, the cause may have been excessive grease at the bottom of the grill," said Joseph Miyasaki, lead fire inspector, 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron.
Here are some tips from the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Fire Department on grilling safely:
· Grills are prohibited inside buildings or on balconies above the first floor.
· Use grills only on level surfaces in open areas away from buildings, dry leaves, brush, low-hanging trees, deck railings or other combustible materials. Be aware of windblown sparks.
· It's a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher within reach.
· Do not wear loose clothing; watch for dangling apron strings and shirt tails.
· Use long-handled barbecue tools and flame-retardant mitts.
· Do not leave children or pets unattended near a hot grill.
· Do not use gasoline or kerosene to start the fire.
· After using starter fluid, cap the container and move it away from the fire.
· Do not add any type of starter fluid once the coals are burning.
· To stop flare-ups, move cooking grid up and spread out the coals.
· Allow coals to burn out completely and let ashes cool for 48 hours before disposing properly. Do not dispose of coals or ashes in dumpsters or trash receptacles.
· If you must dispose of the ashes before fully cooled, soak them completely in water before putting them in a noncombustible container.
· To dispose of the ashes, wrap in foil and put them in an empty non-combustible container.
· Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
· Keep grill clean; do not allow grease to build up.