Time to light up your BBQ? 

Here’s how it happens!  You light up your gas BBQ and let it heat up while you go inside the house to get the food ready....

You’ve done it a hundred times with no problems. But this time, you go back outside with your steaks and find your gas grill has become a flame-thrower!

So, what’s wrong with this picture?  The BBQ is set too close to the house and under the eaves. Now, the leading cause of BBQ structure fires is about to happen because the BBQ was too close to something that could burn. But, two other BBQ mistakes were made that in combination cause tragic fire losses (see BBQ Mistakes To Avoid below). 

Five of every six grills involved in home fires (84%) were fueled by gas while 13% used charcoal or other solid fuel.  Gas grills were involved in an average of 6,900 home fires per year, including 2,600 structure fires and 4,300 outdoor fires annually.

BBQ MISTAKES TO AVOID:

1. The BBQ should be placed well away, at least 3 feet, from your home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
2. Clean, maintain and check your propane BBQ for leaks or breaks at the regulator or hose by spraying with a soapy water solution and check for bubbles.
3. Never leave your grill unattended.

Source: National Fire Protection Association grilling safety tips page.