According to reports put out by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the amount of home structure and outdoor fires involving grills (which include hibachis or barbecues) has been on the rise. Since the increase, it goes hand and hand that the direct property damage caused by fires involving grills is also on the rise. If we look at reports covering 2007 to 2011 and compare them to reports covering 2014 to 2018, you will notice that the amount of direct property damages have increased by $53 million dollars annually.
During 2014 to 2018, the US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 10,600 home structure and outdoor fires involving grills each year. These fires caused an average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries, and $149 million in direct property damage annually.
During 2007-2011, the US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 8,800 home1 fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year. These fires caused an average of of 10 civilian deaths, 140 reported civilian injuries, $96 million in direct property damage.
While nearly half of the people who grill do it year-round, July is the peak month for grill fires followed by May, June and August. Close to half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns. In many grill fires, the grill had not been cleaned. To prevent fires, keep the grill clean. Leaks or breaks were also a factor in reported grill fires. In some cases, Ignition of something that could catch fire was too close to the grill or home structure fires were a result of the grill being too close to the house. Position the grill away from the home and from other things that can burn. It’s also good advice to have a fire-extinguished within reaching distance at all time. Cooking requires attention, and barbecuing is no exception.
Bon appetit, but be sure to do it safely.