Grilling Season is Here!

Each year the West Grove Fire Company responds to grill fires. Here are some safety tips to help you and your family safely enjoy the summer barbecue season:

1. Keep grills a safe distance from buildings (20'). According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA): 27% of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 29% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 6% started in the kitchen.

2. Keep grills on a level and sturdy surface.

3. Charcoal and Propane Grills need to be inspected and serviced regularly.

4. Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

5. Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

6. Never leave your grill unattended

7. Be careful with flammable liquids near a barbecue. The NFPA statistics show that of the 43% of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire.

8. Never operate a barbecue inside a building, and especially not in a garage - even with the door open.

Consider these additional tips from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA):
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Grilling
https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Grilling_safety_Tips.ashx