According to the US Fire Administration, every year barbecue grills cause approximately 6,500 fires. The peak month for grill fires? July.

The top ignition factor, accounting for 43% of grill fires, is mechanical failure or malfunction, such as part failure, leak, break or lack of maintenance. Other ignition factors include:

• Misuse of heat of ignition - such as lack of control of open fire and abandoned materials
• Misuse of material ignited - such as combustible material being too close to heat
• Operating deficiency - primarily leaving the grill unattended

With proper maintenance, inspection and vigilance, however, many outdoor grill fires can be prevented. Here are some top BBQ do's and don'ts:

Do

• Operate BBQ outdoors only, 10 feet from house, garage and trees;
• Maintain your BBQ by replacing rusted or worn hoses and fittings;
• Test for leaks and check tubes for blockage;
• Keep lid open when lighting gas grill, to prevent flash off from gas build-up;
• Turn BBQ off if you smell gas and don't attempt to relight until the leak is fixed;
• Keep alcohol away from grills;
• Use baking soda on grease fires - not water - and keep the proper fire extinguisher handy;
• Cap lighter fluid immediately and place it a safe distance from the grill.

Don't

• Leave an operating barbecue unattended;
• Move an operating BBQ;
• Wear loose or flowing clothing while tending to the BBQ;
• Use gasoline or kerosene as a starter;
• Store LP cylinders indoors;
• Store spare cylinders near the grill or appliances.

In case of fire:

• For propane grills - turn off the burner
• For charcoal grills - close the lid
• For electric grills - turn off power
• If the fire involves a propane tank:
  • Leave it,
  • Evacuate the area, and
  • Call the fire department immediately (911).

Do you have a summer safety tip you'd like to share with the members of SafetyXChange? Send them to catherinej@bongarde.com and let us know if we can use your name and company name.

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