Prevent Fire Hazards After A Session Of Outdoor Grilling With These Essential Tips

Far too often, fire safety is overlooked when outdoor grilling. This neglect leaves homeowners at risk of starting a fire that could not only destroy an expensive grill, but also the surrounding people and property. Luckily, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of such a dangerous event. It's best to get fire safety guidance from an expert, such as Susan McKelvey, who is the Communications Manager for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While speaking exclusively to House Digest, McKelvey shared tips you can use to prevent fire hazards after a session of outdoor grilling. She shared information on proper charcoal handling, the chemicals you should and shouldn't use to fire up your grill, and more.

One of the most important steps in preventing an unwanted grill fire is to dispose of charcoal safely. A popular recommendation is to wrap charcoal pieces in aluminum foil when you are done with them, but McKelvey shared different advice: "We aren't aware of the tin foil trend," she explained. "However, the safest option for disposal of charcoal coals and ash is to put them into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used for that purpose only. The container should be placed outside away from anything that can burn." Let's dive into more of McKelvey's grill station dos and don'ts so that you can grill outside without worry.

While you should aim to prevent hidden fire hazards after a session of outdoor grilling, a safe preparation process is just as vital. Thankfully, McKelvey detailed how to start charcoal for your grill without causing harm. "If you use a charcoal chimney to start charcoal for cooking, use a long match to avoid burning your fingers when lighting the paper," she shared while speaking exclusively to House Digest. Precautions are necessary even if you have an electrical charcoal starter.

McKelvey explained that you should always use a grounded extension cord with an electrical charcoal starter. Those who use lighter fluid for charcoal should only do so with products intended specifically for charcoal grills, according to McKelvey. When using lighter fluid, it is also important to avoid applying it to charcoal that has already been lit. This is because lighter fluid poured onto lit coals can lead to uncontrolled bursts of fire.

McKelvey went on to share a few other NFPA tips while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid except charcoal starter or lighter fluid to start a charcoal fire," she explained. Do not assume that the flammability of gasoline makes it a good choice. If you attempt to use the liquid to start a charcoal fire, it would likely cause an explosion.

McKelvey's final piece of advice will help you save your container of lighter fluid safely. "Store the charcoal starter fluid outside, out of reach of children, and away from heat sources," she explained. Placing the fluid near extreme heat also puts you at risk of an explosion. As for the harm the liquid can cause to children, lighter fluids contain poisonous ingredients like benzene and lacolene. Little ones will require immediate medical attention if they ingest these dangerous chemicals. With this knowledge under your belt, you are now better equipped to use your outdoor grill station as an entertaining space while maintaining the safety of you, your guests, and your family.