The Memorial Day weekend is often considered the unofficial beginning of grilling season, and a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert and a fire protection organization have some advice on outdoor grilling safety.

“While grilling is an enjoyable seasonal outdoor activity, people need to be aware of its potential dangers,” said Joyce Cavanagh, AgriLife Extension family and community health specialist, College Station. “The most typical type of injury is a contact-type burn, which occurs when someone bumps into or touches a hot grill or coal. A grilling accident can also cause external fires that can injure people and cause serious property damage.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association. or NFPA, the months of May, June, July and August are the most active for grill fires, with July being at the top of the list. Additionally, NFPA data shows from 2013-2017, an average of 19,000 people per year went to emergency rooms due to injuries sustained from grills.

Outdoor grilling fire safety tips offered by AgriLife Extension experts and NFPA include:

– Set up the grill on a concrete surface or the ground where grass and vegetation in the area are trimmed and where no dry leaves, brush, mulch piles or other combustibles are nearby.

– Place the grill in an open area away from deck railings, eaves and overhanging branches or other potentially combustible surfaces.

– Check gas grills for leaks and make sure hose connections are tight.

– Set the grill at least 10 feet away from any building, and do not grill in a garage or under a carport or other surface that might catch fire.

– Keep young children and pets at least 3 feet from the grill.

– Remove any grease or fat buildup from the grill and/or in the trays below the grill.

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

– Never leave the grill unattended once the fire has been lit.

– Never move a hot grill.

– Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher within easy reach.

– Use flame-retardant mitts and grilling tools with long handles instead of household forks or short-handled tongs.

– Let coals completely cool before disposing of them, and using a metal container for disposal.

“Using some vigilance and precaution, you can help ensure you and your family will have safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend,” Cavanagh said.

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