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BBQ Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

As the days and evenings become warmer and residents want to spend more time outside, grilling and barbecues become more common in our communities. Grilling is a fantastic way to enjoy and spend time outdoors, but it also can prove to be a real fire risk if proper grill safety is not practiced. 

Steak and vegetables on a grill

Protect yourself, your home, and your loved ones by following our BBQ safety tips that can help make the grilling season enjoyable for everyone. Whether you prefer to use a gas or charcoal grill, proper setup, maintenance, and awareness go a long way in preventing accidents before they have a chance to start.


Prevent Grill Fires By Following Our Grill Safety Checklist Before Cooking

Before lighting your grill, take a few minutes to run through a quick safety checklist:


  • Ensure your grill is a safe distance from anything flammable — i.e., your home, wooden features, and overhanging branches

  • Make sure your grill is in a well-ventilated area such as a back porch — never use a grill indoors, in a garage, or in enclosed spaces

  • Check propane tanks and connections for leaks before use

  • Clean grease and fat buildup from grates and drip trays

  • Make sure there is a fire extinguisher or a water source nearby

  • Ensure your grill is stable and on a flat surface

  • Never leave a lit grill unattended


Taking these steps before your next barbecue can help to significantly reduce your risk of grill flare-ups and severe burns. 


Common Questions About Grilling Safety


A person's hand on the lid of a charcoal grill

What are the most common grilling accidents?

The most frequent grilling accidents we see include:


  • Grease fires

  • Flare-ups

  • Gas leaks

  • Contact burns


Many of these incidents occur when grills are left unattended, placed too close to structures, or residents are wearing inappropriate clothing for being near an open flame. We strongly recommend being mindful when using a propane or charcoal grill this grilling season and reducing your risk of severe burns.


How far should a grill be from the house?

We advise homeowners to keep their grills positioned a minimum of 1- feet away from their homes or any other flammable structures. By maintaining this distance, you can significantly reduce the risk of sparks igniting any flammable materials, such as:


  • Siding

  • Decks

  • Hardscaping features

  • Yard waste

  • Fences


What To Do If A Grill Catches Fire

If your grill catches fire, it is critical that you stay calm and act quickly:


  • For grease fires, turn off the burners (if safe to do so) and close the lid to smother the flames

  • Never use water on a grease fire, as it can make the flames worse

  • If the fire grows, use a fire extinguisher that is specialized for grease fires

  • Evacuate the area and call 911 if the fire spreads or becomes uncontrollable


Knowing how to respond to this kind of situation can help prevent a minor mishap from becoming a serious emergency where professional intervention is needed. 

A person grilling hamburger patties

Grill With Confidence This Spring

Grilling should be a fun way to get everyone outside, but it can turn dangerous if the proper safety measures aren’t taken into consideration. By following the BBQ safety tips outlined above and staying aware while cooking, you and your loved ones can enjoy the grilling season with confidence. The Black Jack Fire Protection District is committed to helping our residents stay safe from the risk of fires and burns by providing comprehensive education and prevention guidance. 


Contact Black Jack Fire Protection District or browse through our safety resources page for more information on fire safety. 


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