Last time, we talked about barbecues. Now, with summer just around the corner, we’d like to share the top 10 most common causes of fires encountered by our experts in the field related to barbecue use. Enjoy the read!
1. Watch out for nearby flammable materials
Maintain the required minimum distances between the barbecue and combustible surfaces such as walls or shelters to prevent fires caused by radiant heat.
2. No, no, no—not on a balcony
It’s a good idea to check your building’s regulations, as using a barbecue on balconies is sometimes prohibited. The heat emitted by the grill is trapped beneath these structures and can cause them to catch fire.
3. An intruder in the grill
Check the inside of the grill before using it for the first time: forgotten objects or animal nests can fuel an accidental fire if you’re not careful.
4. Spring cleaning… for the grill
Clean your grill regularly to prevent the buildup of grease and food residue, which are flammable. So, scrub, scrub, scrub—before you dig in!
5. A barbecue that takes off
A barbecue that isn’t properly stabilized can tip over and spread fire, embers, cooking oils, or flames onto the ground or onto the combustible surface of the patio. Choose a flat, stable, and non-combustible surface.
6. A Smell of Burnt Propane
Check the connections for leaks using soapy water. If you see bubbles, there’s a leak that needs to be fixed before lighting the grill. A propane leak plus a nearby heat source… That could mean “Boom,” and goodbye balcony!
7. The Propane Tank That Turned Into a Torch
The internal pressure of a propane tank exposed to heat sources like the sun increases, which can cause propane to be released into the environment. If it ignites, it will turn the tank into a veritable torch.
8. Open the tank when you light your BBQ
Gas buildup in a closed tank can cause an explosion when you light the grill. That’s why you should always open the lid before you start.
9. Spilling flammable liquids right in front of you
Using flammable liquids like gasoline to light charcoal is dangerous. It can lead to spills and, ultimately, to the rapid ignition of flammable vapors.
10. When Lighting Turns Into a Blaze
Avoid using old lighters, burning paper, cigarettes, or long matches to light your grill. We recommend using the built-in ignition system to prevent injuries and avoid creating makeshift flames.
We hope this brief overview sheds some light on what’s best to avoid when it comes time to host a BBQ party. Because nothing beats a good barbecue… without that burnt taste!
Feel free to contact one of our fire safety experts with any questions about fire safety. You can view our experts’ page here. To submit a new request, click here.