Neighborhood Firefighters Stress BBQ Safety

The seasonal migration to decks, balconies and backyards continues, as Americans fire up gas and charcoal grills. With an increase in outdoor recreation comes a spike in barbecue fires. To keep your family safe, the Los Angeles Fire Department and U.S. Fire Administration offer simple tips for outside cooking safety.


Use All Barbecue Grills Safely:

• Never leave a barbecue grill unattended.
• Place the grill away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill. Have a 3-foot "kid-free zone".
• Use long-handled grilling tools to give yourself clearance from heat and flames.
• Keep the grill clean. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and know how to use it.
• Use only outdoors! Grills used indoors or in an enclosed space, such as a tent, poses an extreme risk for fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Charcoal Grills:

• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
• Dispose of charcoal coals only after they are cool. Empty the coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used only to collect coals. Place the container away from anything that can burn. Never empty coals directly into a trash can.

Propane Grills:

• Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages.
• Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up and maintain the grill.
• Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
• If your grill has a gas leak by smell or soapy bubble test - and there is no flame:
• Turn off the propane tank and grill.
• If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak does not stop, call the Fire Department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• Light a propane grill only with the cover open.

Watch What You Heat...

• Lack of proper attention is the leading cause of cooking fires.
• Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, bags, food packaging and towels away.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves. Loose clothing can dangle and catch fire.
• Do not cook if you are sleepy, drinking alcohol or taking medicine that makes you drowsy.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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