It’s Grilling Season – Practice Grilling Safety
July is National Grilling Month and Prince William County Fire and Rescue is reminding residents to practice grill safety year-round to prevent fires and injuries. Key safety tips include using grills outdoors only, keeping them away from flammable materials, maintaining a three-foot safety zone and never leaving the grill unattended.
From the Prince William Fire and Rescue Department:
July is National Grilling Month, a time when more families are cooking outdoors to enjoy great food and quality time with family and friends. Historically, grilling took place during traditional summer holidays, with Memorial Day and the Fourth of July being the most popular days for grilling. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the fall and winter months, with the most popular days for grilling being Thanksgiving and the Super Bowl, followed by Christmas or Hanukkah, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day.
The Prince William County Fire and Rescue (FIRE) System would like to remind residents that regardless of the time of year, type, size, style or cooking method, when using a grill or other outdoor cooking equipment, take steps to learn how to cook safely to avoid fires, burns or worse. The main causes of outdoor grill fires include:
• Something that could catch fire was too close to the grill.
• Unattended cooking.
• Leaking or broken grill (mainly gas grills).
• Failure to clean.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To prevent barbecue-related fires and injuries, the system advises residents to follow these simple safety tips:
• Propane and charcoal barbecues should only be used outdoors.
• Place the grill well away from siding, deck railings and eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic by maintaining a three (3) foot safety zone around the grill or smoker when in use and while cooling down.
• Use long-handled cooking utensils to protect yourself from heat and flames when cooking.
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1 Prince William County Courthouse, Virginia 22192 • 703-792-6800 | www.pwcgov.org/public-safety/fire
July 18, 2024
It’s Grilling Season – Practice Grilling Safety
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• Regularly remove accumulated grease from the trays under the grill. Grease can ignite due to the heat of the grill.
• Constantly monitor the grill or smoker when in use.
Charcoal Barbecues
• Purchase the appropriate starting fluid and keep the can out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• NEVER add lighter fluid to charcoal after the coals or kindling have already been lit. • Place used charcoal/ash from your grill in a metal box with a lid. Once cooled, store several feet away from the house and any combustibles.
*These safety precautions also apply to any wood-burning appliance, such as fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, chimneys, etc.
Propane Barbecues
• Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks every year before using it for the first time. • Make sure all hose connections are tight.
• Make sure the propane bottle is securely attached.
Barbecue Safety for Apartments and Condominiums
• The Prince William County Fire Code, Section 9.1-45, prohibits the use or storage of any appliance that uses flammable products, i.e., gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid, LP gas or propane on a balcony.
• DO NOT use grills or smokers within 15 feet of an apartment, condominium or building/structure.
For more information on grill safety for apartments and condominiums in Prince William County, visit pwcva.gov/department/fire-marshals-office/grill-safety-apartments condominiums.
For more information on grill safety, visit the U.S. Fire Administration at usfa.fema.gov and the National Fire Protection Association at nfpa.org.
Photo by Pam Menegakis on Unsplash
