To BBQ or Not to BBQ - That is the Question

The Johnson County Fire and Emergency Chief’s Association and Fire District #1 wishes to remind you that grilling can be dangerous. In 2002, the National Fire Data Center estimated that outside gas or charcoal cooking grills caused 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in or on home properties. These fires resulted in over 30 million dollars in property loss. Annually grill fires have caused numerous injuries and even deaths have occurred. Luckily, these incidents are on the decline due to an increased awareness of the danger and knowing the proper safety measures to take when grilling. Nothing tastes better than something slow cooked on a grill. Lasting memories with family and friends are often made over a home cooked meal. So don’t give up grilling, just be safe about it.

When using a barbecue grill: :

• Keep grills at least ten feet away from anything that can burn (i.e. house, car, dry vegetation, etc.).
• Grill on a stable surface that can’t burn (i.e. concrete)
• Never grill on a balcony, roof, porch or deck.
• Never grill under an awning, carport or overhang.
• Never leave the grill unattended for any reason.
• Never wear loose-fitting clothes when grilling.
• STOP, DROP & ROLL if your clothes catch on fire.
• Keep children and pets away!
• Avoid a build-up of carbon monoxide (CO) by never grilling indoors or in an enclosed space (i.e. garage).
• Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line and make sure the venturi tubes – the tubes where the air and gas mix – are not blocked.
• Never overfill the propane tank.
• When using charcoal be sure and dispose of ashes properly.  Ashes can remain hot for several days.  Dispose of ashes in a metal container and never place on, in or near anything that can burn.
• Only use starter fluid designed for charcoal and do not add fluid to an already lit fire. Never use gasoline to light charcoal!

For more information about BBQ safety or any fire related safety topic, please contact your local fire department.