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Barbecue fire safety tips to remember

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Simpkins
  • 87th Civil Engineer Squadron
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The season of barbecuing is off to a sizzling start with beautiful weather for all to enjoy. Although summer barbecuing is a time for everyone, it also presents a great danger if families don't flip every burger with fire safety in mind.

The National Fire Protection Association reports an average of 7,700 fire and medical emergencies involving outdoor grilling each year. Here are some barbecuing tips so everyone can enjoy the taste of summer.

Prepare for Grilling:
- Declare grilling area a "no children zone".
- Ensure grill and surfaces are clean by removing grease buildup.
- Inspect grill and propane tank for any dents, gouges, bulges, corrosion, leaks or excessive rust.
- Inspect propane hose for cracks, brittleness, holes and leaks. Use a spray bottle filled with soap and water to test for leaks.

Propane Grilling:
- All grills are designed for outdoor use only. All enclosed areas can accumulate carbon monoxide and be extremely dangerous.
- Always keep connected propane tanks in a well-ventilated space. When not in use ensure the tank valve is in the off or closed position.
- Position grill 10 feet away from building, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Use barbecue utensils with long handles to avoid burns and splatters.
- Wear short or tight fitting sleeves and flame retardant mitts.
- Have a charged garden hose or bucket of sand available for small grill flare-ups.
- Once lit, never leave a grill unattended.
- Never store propane tanks indoors or below ground.
- Storing a spare propane tank is strongly discouraged.

Charcoal Grilling:
- Use only charcoal starter fluid.
- Keep charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children and away from heat source.
- Keep area around the grill free of any paper, wood and plastic.
- After grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Investigations of barbecue fires suggested many of them occurred when a propane grill was used for the first time after winter storage. Therefore ensuring your grill is in good operable condition before lighting them tremendously decreases the possibility for a fire.

Most importantly, remember to call 9-1-1 for all emergencies, check your fire extinguishers monthly, ensure smoke detectors are operable and practice fire evacuations with your family.

Contact the Tech. Sgt. Todd Rains or Staff Sgt. Ron Simpkins, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention Office, at 754-4656 for any questions or concerns.