Grilling and Fire Safety: Tips to Keep Your Summer Cookouts Safe

There’s nothing like the smell of food on the grill to mark the start of summer. Whether you’re grilling burgers for the family or hosting a neighborhood cookout, it’s important to keep grilling and fire safety top of mind. Each year, thousands of grill-related fires are reported, many of which could have been prevented with a few simple precautions. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shared data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission report stating that an average of 21,682 patients go to emergency rooms every year because of injuries involving grills. 

An average of 21,682 patients go to emergency rooms every year because of injuries involving grills. 

As we embrace the season of outdoor cooking, here are some essential grilling and fire safety tips to help you keep the flames where they belong—on the grill, not your deck.

Grilling and Fire Safety Starts with Location

  • Grill in open areas. Set up your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, garage, deck railings, and overhanging branches.
  • Avoid enclosed spaces. Never grill indoors, in a garage, or under a covered patio—carbon monoxide and fire risks increase dramatically in confined areas.

Before You Grill: Check and Clean

  • Inspect the grill. Check gas hoses for cracks or leaks before each use. If you’re using a charcoal grill, inspect the grill structure for stability and wear.
  • Clean regularly. Grease buildup is one of the leading causes of grill fires. Scrub grates and empty grease traps routinely.

Stay Ready for Emergencies

  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. A multi-purpose (Class ABC) extinguisher is ideal. Know how to use it (PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
  • Never leave a grill unattended. Stay close and keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.

Safe Grilling Techniques

  • Light it safely. For gas grills, open the lid before lighting to prevent gas buildup. For charcoal, use a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid for safer ignition.
  • Watch the weather. Wind can blow sparks or tip over a grill. Postpone grilling on extremely windy days.

After the Grilling’s Done

  • Let coals cool completely. Douse them with water and stir until fully extinguished. Dispose of ashes in a metal container.
  • Turn off gas supply. Always shut off the propane tank or natural gas valve after use.

Why Grilling and Fire Safety Matters

Grilling is meant to bring people together—but without the proper precautions, it can quickly turn dangerous. By following these grilling and fire safety best practices, you’re not only protecting your home and loved ones, but also setting the tone for how to have a safety-first mindset no matter what the occasion.

So before your next cookout, take a few moments to check your setup, stay alert, and grill responsibly.



from Cardinal Compliance Consultants https://cardinalhs.net/blog/grilling-and-fire-safety-tips-summer-cookouts/
via Cardinal Compliance Consultants

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