For countless Americans, Memorial Day signals summer’s unofficial arrival, inspiring folks to fire up their grills and kick off a season of outdoor cooking and holiday celebrations. As the grilling season begins, the National Fire Protection Association® reminds everyone to follow essential safety tips and guidelines to keep outdoor cooking firesafe.
Officials from the National Fire Protection Association report that from 2019 to 2023, gas grills were linked to an average of 9,287 home fires each year, including 4,682 structure fires and 4,605 outdoor fires. Notably, about 20 percent of these fires reportedly happened when grills had not been cleaned. Additionally, data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that between 2020 and 2024, an average of 21,682 people each year visited emergency rooms due to grill-related injuries.
Here are some tips and recommendations provided by the National Fire Protection Association for using outdoor grills safely:
For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks.
Keep your grill clean. Make sure to remove all grease and fat buildup from the grills and the trays below.
Place the grill far from your home, deck railings, eaves, or overhanging branches.
Before lighting your gas-powered grill, always make sure the lid is open.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
If you use starter fluid with charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire once it’s been lit. When you finish grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
Founded in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association® is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards.
