Grill safety tips to keep the Fourth of July fire-free

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Cookouts will be taking place all across the Tennessee Valley on Thursday. However, Independence Day grilling can turn deadly if you’re not being safe.

According to Huntsville Fire Marshal Dan Wilkerson, July is the peak time for grill fires, which are the cause of about 9,000 home fires on average every year.

The first step to preventing a grill fire is proper maintenance and cleaning. Wilkerson says you should remove grease from your grill after every use. If you’re using a gas barbecue, make sure the lid is open before lighting it and check your gas tank for any leaks.

“Some beginner grillers, they tend not to do that and they turn the gas on with the lid closed,” Wilkerson said. “And then when they ignite it, it causes an explosion. It can cause injury and possibly fatalities.”

Make sure to keep the grill away from your home, apartment awning, or any other structures that could catch fire and make sure pets and children stay at a safe distance.

“We encourage people to never leave your cooking appliance unattended when you’re using it,” Wilkerson said. “Make sure when you prep to go out there, your food’s ready to be put on the grill or on the stove. Make sure that any seasoning or utensils you’re gonna need, that you have those with you as well.”

If a grease fire starts on your watch, never use water to try and put out the flames… you’ll only make it worse. Instead, use a fire extinguisher or throw baking soda on the grill and then close the lid.

Evacuate the area and call the fire department immediately if the fire gets out of hand.

An average of about 22,000 people go to emergency rooms every year with grill-related injuries, so don’t let it be you or a loved one this Fourth of July.

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