Summer Safety: Grilling - Fire Hazard Tips

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Grills were involved in over 10,000 house fires in a four-year span.

It’s important to be aware of what conditions can cause a grill fire, and how to prevent one. Stay safe while having summer fun in Harris County.

Grill fires are not only dangerous to people and animals, they can cause serious damage to your deck and home. The National Fire Protection Association reports that grills were involved in over 10,000 house fires in a four-year span, with July and August being the months that these incidents are most frequent.

What Causes Grill Fires?

While there is a fire risk anytime someone is cooking indoors or outside, grills pose a unique risk for flare-ups because of the open flame and direct contact. Common causes of grill fires include:

*Uncleaned grill grates

*Overfilled grease pans

*Grilling near combustible materials- heat can really radiate, you’d be surprised how far!

*Leaving grills unattended

*Burner tubes blocked due to debris or insects

How to Prevent Grill Fires

The easiest way to avoid damage from a grill fire is by being familiar with and taking steps to prevent one from happening using safety tips. 

Here are a few ways you can care for your grill and prevent fires:

1. It’s easy to forget, but you need to clean your drip pans frequently. Cleaning your grill helps prevent grease fires and flare-ups. Under the cooking grids and burners, every grill is equipped with a drip tray. When these trays become full and reach high temperatures, grease fires can occur. Check your pans or trays every time you use the grill to ensure they are not getting overfilled. If you let the grease cool, it’s easier to scrape off and then clean with soap and water.   
2. ALWAYS Keep safety supplies nearby. Baking soda quickly cuts off oxygen the fire needs. Keep baking soda and a fire extinguisher nearby each time you grill to smother any flames.
3. Coated, sauced, gristle-covered cooking grates need to be scraped down. These dried-on bits harbor bacteria that can affect the taste and outcome of your meal, but they can also cause dangerous fires. After preheating your grill, use a grill brush to scrape off grates—and scrape again after cooking. It is also advised to frequently give grates a scrub with soap and water while the grill is cool. There are lots of great choices of grill scrapers out there no matter what type you like, it’s an important tool to have on hand whenever you’re grilling! 

Note: Never use water to put out a grease fire, as it can cause flames to spread.

SERVPRO of Katy/Cypress/Champions/1960 is here for you in the event of any fire emergency. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”