Often considered the unofficial kick-off to summer, Memorial Day weekend typically includes lots of celebrations and cookouts, often with outdoor grilling as a focal point. As the holiday and summer months near, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reminds everyone of basic safety tips and precautions to grill and celebrate safely.

NFPA data shows that from 2014 to 2018, fire departments responded to an annual average of 10,600 home fires annually involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues. This includes 4,900 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires. These fires resulted in an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries, and $149 million in direct property damage.

The peak months for grilling fires are July (18% of grilling fires), June (15%), May (13%), and August (12%), though grill fires occur year-round. Leading causes of grill fires include failing to clean the grill, the heat source being located too close to combustible materials, leaving equipment unattended, and leaks or breaks in the grill or fuel source.

“As grilling season approaches, it is important to review basic safety tips to ensure grillers are using equipment properly and safely, especially if the grill hasn’t been used over the winter,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Establishing a fire-safe location for using your grill is also crucial. It should be a safe distance from your home and other items that can burn.”

Carli notes that as people continue to stay home in response to the pandemic, there may be an increased use of grills and other outdoor cooking equipment this season, making it critically important to share these messages with the public.

A yearly average of 19,700 patients went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. Nearly half (9,500 or 48%) of the injuries were thermal burns, including both burns from fire and from contact with hot objects; 5,200 thermal burns were caused by such contact or other non-fire events.

Children under five accounted for an average of 2,000 (39%) of the contact-type burns per year. These burns typically occurred when a child bumped into, touched, or fell on the grill, grill part, or hot coals.

NFPA offers these and other tips and recommendations for enjoying a fire-safe grilling season:

*For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use;

*Remove grease or fat buildup from the grills and from trays below the grill;

*Place the grill well away from the home or deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches;

*Always open the lid before lighting a gas grill;

*Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area;

*If an accelerant is necessary, only use charcoal starter fluid and only on cold briquettes;

*Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire;

*After each use of a charcoal grill, let coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container; and

*Never leave a grill unattended when in use.

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. For more information or to view NFPA codes and standards, visit www.nfpa.org.