Summer fire safety tips

  • Published
  • By Paul Gentile
  • Laughlin Fire Department fire inspector
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Summer is one of the most active times of the year. Many of us will come together with family and friends and fire up the grill. There's nothing like outdoor grilling. But, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. A study by the National Fire Protection Association found Fire departments nationwide respond to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues each year, including 5,000 outside fires and 2,900 structure fires. June and July are the peak months for grill fires. Thirty-three percent of home grill structure fires start on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.

Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.

GENERAL SAFETY

· Propane and charcoal babecue grills should only be used outdoors.

· The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

· Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

· Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

· Never leave your grill unattended.

CHARCOAL GRILLS

· 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 charcoal fluid or any other
flammable liquids to the fire.

· Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

· There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.

· When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

PROPANE GRILLS

· Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. Have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

Craig Wilgus, Laughlin's Fire Chief, commented, "As emergency responders, we want everyone to safely enjoy America's 234th birthday by preventing fires and other emergencies. Please pay attention to your environment, especially when using barbecue grills. Additionally, fireworks are prohibited on Laughlin without the written approval of the wing commander and coordination through the fire and emergency services flight. Val Verde County and the City of Del Rio have different restrictions. Check with local authorities before setting off fireworks."

For additional safety tips or restriction clarification, contact your local authorities. Laughlin members may call the Fire Prevention Office at 298-5036 or 298-5037.