Grill Safety

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY PRESS RELEASE

Grill Safety Tips

Bob Patterson, Deputy Director, Division of Fire Safety - 802-479-7566

Berlin, VT 7/22/2011 – On July 16, 2011 at approximately 7:00PM the Addison Fire Department was called to a reported grill fire on a deck. Upon arrival of first responding firefighters, the fire was already venting out of the roof. The investigation revealed an unattended LP gas grill was in use on the exterior deck, in close proximity of the house and ignited the vinyl siding. The fire quickly spread up the exterior wall entering the soffit.

This was the second grill related fire reported to the Division of Fire Safety in July. Keep your family and home safe when using a grill and remember:

Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.
Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.
Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.
Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.
Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.
Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill.
For additional fire safety tips, please visit www.vtfiresafety.org.