JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food, especially during warmer months. It’s estimated that seven out of 10 adults in the U.S. have a grill or smoker.
Some of our fondest summertime memories involve backyard barbeques, family and friends. But grilling can also be dangerous if not done properly.
Barbecuing ranks as one of America’s favorite ways to entertain families and friends and people fire up the barbecue more than three billion times a year, said the National Fire Protection Association.
Too often though, they light up more than the grill in their quest for sizzling burgers and hot dogs. More than one-quarter of grill structure fires started on an exterior balcony or open porch.
According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2017-2021, an average of 22,155 patients per year went to the emergency room because of injuries involving grills.
Gas grills were involved in an average of 9,000 home fires per year, including over 4,000 structure fires and 4,500 outdoor fires annually. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills.
JBSA experienced one incident in 2011 when a housing resident at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston ignited a fire by disposing of hot coals in a dumpster.
Learn a few simple tips for staying safe.
Make sure your gas grill is working properly
- Leaks or breaks are primarily a problem with gas grills. Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
- Check the hoses from the gas supply for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Ensure there are no kinks in the hose or tubing.
- If your grill has a gas leak detected 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 do not move it. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least five minutes before re-lighting it.
- Never store or operate a propane-powered gas grill indoors. Grills must be operated at least 10 feet from a facility.
Never leave equipment unattended
- Make sure to closely monitor food cooking on the grill. Turn the grill off promptly when you’re done cooking, and let it cool completely before returning it to its original location.
- For campfires, fire pits, and chimineas, always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby, and make sure the fire is completely out before going to sleep or leaving area.
- Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
Keep equipment a safe distance from things that can burn
- Place your grill well away (at least three feet) from anything that can burn, including deck railings and overhanging branches; also keep them out from under eaves.
- Keep portable grills a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
- Keep children and pets well away from any type of equipment in use.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
Use fuel and fire starters properly
- If you use a starter fluid to ignite charcoals, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
- Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids on firepits, chimineas, or campfires.
- After using starter fluid, cap the container and move it away from the fire.
- Never try to restart a fire by adding additional starter fluid to an already lit grill. This will cause a flare-up.
Dispose of grilling material safely
- 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.
- Keep the grill clean and don’t allow grease to build up.
For any type of outdoor fire that can’t be quickly and effectively extinguished, call the fire department immediately for assistance.
For more information about grilling safety, visit the National Fire Prevention Association website at http://www.nfpa.org/education or contact one of the Joint Base San Antonio fire prevention offices at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, 210-221-2727; JBSA-Lackland at 210-671-2921; or JBSA-Randolph at 210-652-6915.