Fire Facts
Most of the people killed in child-playing fires are under 5, and such fires are the leading cause of fire deaths among preschoolers.
Source: From NFPA's Children Playing with Fire, March 2005.
Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. 
Facts & figures
- In 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including an average of 2,900 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. These 7,900 fires caused annual average of 10 civilian deaths (to the nearest ten), 120 reported injuries and $80 million in direct property damage.
- Although gas grills are used roughly 1.5 times as often as charcoal grills, they were involved in five times as many fires. Gas grills were involved in 6,400 home fires, including 2,100 structure fires and 4,300 outdoor fires.
- One-third (33%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch, 18% started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 11% started on an exterior wall surface.
- Flammable or combustible gas or liquid was the item first ignited in half of home outdoor grill fires. In 51% of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, 56% of the outside gas grills, and 29% of the non-confined gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire.
- When using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be
sure to leave sufficient space from siding and eaves.
- Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
- Keep children and pets far away from grills.
- With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids
designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid
after coals have been lit.
- With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection
is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks.
- Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and
safely reveal any leaks.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and
have the grill repaired by a professional, if necessary.
For additional grilling safety tips and information, click here.
Source - NFPA
City of Columbia Mobile
privacy & use policy
