For Additional Information:
Laura Rinehart, Public Information Officer
[email protected] or 571-233-1649
May 26, 2017
For Immediate Release:
Grilling Safety
Fire in the inside of the BBQ grill is a welcome sight at the family cookout but fire anywhere else can make your summer barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. Follow these tips to stay safe during grilling season:
Safety tips
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Only use propane & charcoal BBQ grills outdoors.
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Keep grills at least 15ft away from any structure and away from flammable materials.
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Regularly clean grease or fat buildup from the grill and grease trap.
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Never leave your grill unattended.
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Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
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Grills can remain hot for long periods of time after being shut off.
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It is unlawful to operate an open flame grill, hibachi, gas grill, manufactured fireplace or
portable fire pit, etc. within 15ft of any apartment building, condominium, commercial
business, health care facility, or housing for the aged or physically and/or mentally
impaired.
Charcoal grills
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There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters
allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
•
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add any
flammable
liquids to the fire.
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Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
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Soak charcoal briquettes and ashes with water and always let ashes cool before
disposing of them into a closed metal container. The metal container should be kept
outside, a safe distance away from your home or any other structures.
Propane Grills
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Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it each year. Apply a light soap and
water solution to the hose. If a propane leak is present, it will release bubbles. If your
grill has a gas leak, obvious by the odor or the soapy bubble test, but no flame, turn off
the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before
using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
•
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire
department.
•
Store a propane cylinder in a detached shed away from the home. Never store propane
cylinders indoors or in enclosed areas, e.g. basement, garage, tent, etc.
For additional fire prevention information visit
www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal or contact Lisa Braun, Public Education Manager, at 571-258-3222.
The fire pictured to the right occurred when a hot grill was placed too close to the side of the home. Siding is highly combustible and this incident alone caused $400,000 in damages.
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