Grilling Safety 101: Tips to Avoid Fires When Cooking Outdoors

4/30/2023 (Permalink)

Grilling is one of the most popular activities during summertime, but it can also be a fire hazard if proper precautions are not taken. Grilling is an excellent way to cook food outdoors and enjoy the warm weather with friends and family, but it's essential to keep safety in mind to avoid fires. In this blog post, we will explore some tips on how to avoid fires when grilling.

Choose the Right Location

When setting up your grill, it's essential to choose the right location. Keep your grill at least ten feet away from any flammable materials like buildings, trees, and plants. Make sure the location is level and away from any high traffic areas or where children may be playing.

Keep Your Grill Clean

Grills that aren't properly maintained can easily cause a fire. Make sure to clean your grill regularly to remove any grease, fat, or debris that may have accumulated. This is especially important if you're using a gas grill since any excess grease buildup can lead to a fire.

Use the Right Tools

Using the right tools when grilling is essential for safety. Use long-handled utensils to keep your hands away from the heat and flames. Also, use heat-resistant gloves to avoid burns when handling hot items.

Don't Leave Your Grill Unattended

Never leave your grill unattended when it's in use. Fires can start quickly, and it's essential to keep a close eye on your grill. If you need to step away from your grill, make sure to turn it off before leaving.

Don't Overload Your Grill

Overloading your grill with too much food can cause it to flare up and lead to a fire. Make sure to leave enough space between your food items to allow for proper cooking and avoid any flare-ups.

Control the Flames

Flare-ups can happen when the fat from the food drips onto the flames, causing a sudden burst of fire. To avoid this, try to keep your grill temperature low, and don't use too much oil or fat when cooking. If you do experience a flare-up, use a spray bottle filled with water to put out the flames.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Finally, it's always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby when grilling. Make sure you know how to use it in case of an emergency. Remember to use a fire extinguisher only if you feel comfortable doing so and if the fire is small enough to handle. Keep grilling safe this summer!