SJRFD Grilling Safety Tips

There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. However, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries.
The St. John’s Regional Fire Department advises citizens to follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.

Before Barbecuing:
• Always read the owner’s manual before using your grill and follow specific usage, assembly,and safety procedures.
• The grill should be placed on a stable, non-combustible surface, 10 feet away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill area.
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
• With gas grills, always ensure connections are tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.

Charcoal Grills:
• Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container on a non-combustible surface.

During Barbecuing:
• Wear clothing that does not have hanging shirt tails, frills or apron strings that can catch fire, and use flame-retardant mitts when adjusting hot vents.
• Never leave a grill unattended once it is lit.
• Use barbecue utensils with long handles (forks, tongs, etc.) to avoid burns and splatters.

After Barbecuing:
• After each use, turn off the propane cylinder valve first, then the “on/off” valve on the barbecue. This will prevent any propane becoming trapped in the hose when the barbecue is in use.
• Never store propane gas cylinders indoors.
• Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline near the grill.

Apartment Buildings and Condominiums:
• Should grills be used on balconies, they shall be certified for their intended use and be kept 10 feet from buildings and other overhead structures.
• Follow all manufacturer’s instructions, especially with reference to clearances from combustible material.
• The management/condo board of multi-family dwellings having balconies shall notify their tenants in writing of this requirement at the time the tenant initially occupies the area, and from time to time thereafter as may be necessary to reasonably ensure compliance. However, the use of these devices shall also be subject to the approval of management for a respective building.
• Propane tanks shall not be stored indoors.

For more information contact:
Captain Mike Maher
Fire Prevention Officer
St. John’s Regional Fire Department
(709) 576-3905
fireprevention@stjohns.ca