As the temperature rises, the grilling season kicks into high gear, drawing in more cooking enthusiasts to enjoy outdoor celebrations by cooking on their grills. Yet, the rise in outdoor cooking also leads to a greater chance of fire dangers. Without implementing preventive measures, a happy occasion can quickly become hazardous and frightening due to the mix of open flames, high temperatures, and accumulated grease. This article provides safety procedures and a step-by-step guide of how to put out a grease fire on your grill.

Grill Fire Statistics

According to an NFPA report, gas grills were involved in an average of 9,079 house fires per year, with gas grills accounting for approximately 84% of these incidents. In contrast, roughly 12% used charcoal or another solid fuel.

Additionally, approximately 34% of outdoor grill fires involved grease or fat as the leading factor contributing to ignition. Neglecting to clean the grill was also identified as the main factor in 29% of grill structure fires.

Common Causes of Grease Fires

Grease fires on grills are seen as a frequent risk, particularly in peak grilling seasons. Because of water and intense heat, these fires can spread quickly and potentially turn into a dangerous house fire.  Let us go through the common causes of grease fires on grills to further understand the risks and ultimately take preventive measures to ensure safe grilling experiences for everyone involved.

Grease Build up on the Grill’s Surface

Frequently using your outdoor grill can cause grease to accumulate on various surfaces, particularly in areas where you prepare your meat. While the meat is being grilled, the fats liquify and fall onto different surfaces, gradually building up.

Overloaded Grill Grates

An excess of grease on grill grates often causes grease fires on grills. Increased presence of fatty meats on the barbecue increases the likelihood of additional fat and grease dripping. Extra grease accumulates on the grates and grill surface, which could ignite because of the high heat. When grease fires start, they can rapidly escalate and are more likely to spread quickly and cause property damage.

Leaving the Grill Unattended

Grilling your fatty meats unattended can be very dangerous. With flare-ups and grease buildup threatening the risk of fire hazards, one should not leave the grill unattended even for just a minute. Without someone to monitor and adjust the temperatures, the grill can quickly become hot, leading to increased chances of igniting the accumulated grease and fats.

Inadequate Cleaning and Maintenance

Not cleaning your grill regularly can result in grease accumulation, which can increase the likelihood of dangerous flare-ups. Moreover, failure to regularly maintain your grill not only impacts how well it functions but also puts at risk the safety of your grilling area and those in close proximity. Trays for dipping and other tools for grilling can also collect flammable debris that could potentially become a fire hazard.

Preventing Grease Fires

Fires caused by grease on grills are very dangerous and can cause serious injury to people and property. The fires could cause extensive harm because they have the ability to quickly increase in size within moments, underlining the necessity of applying prevention methods and safety protocols in all outdoor grilling areas. Here are some suggestions for preventing grease fires while cooking outside with your loved ones.

• Thoroughly inspect and clean the grill grates every after use
• Check the drip pan and empty it before firing up your grill to eliminate any residual buildup
• Check the grill for any gas leak
• Make sure to have your grill checked regularly to make sure it is working properly
• Have a fire extinguisher, baking soda or salt handy in case you need to put out a grease fire
• Monitor the grill while in use, especially when cooking fatty meats that are prone to causing flare-ups

How to Safely Put Out a Grease Fire

Grilling outside provides a great chance to come together with loved ones and enjoy tasty food and entertaining tales. Nevertheless, these events can also present fire risks that may be very hazardous, particularly if you are not properly equipped. Below is a quick guide on how to safely put out a grease fire on grill.

• Smother the flames – do not use water to extinguish an oil-based fire. Using water can only fan the fire further and cause hot oils to explode. On the contrary, employ a metal lid to cut off oxygen supply to the fire and a substantial quantity of salt to weaken its intensity.
• Cut off the heat – immediately turn off the grill’s burners if you are using a gas grill. Until you a certain the flames is fully extinguished, make sure everyone in your home keep a safe distance from the grill.
• Call the fire department – if the fire is too large to control, do not attempt to extinguish it on your own. Immediately and securely leave the location after notifying the nearby fire department.

Conclusion

Even though grilling can be a fun outdoor activity to enjoy with loved ones, prioritizing everyone’s safety should always come first. Anything can occur while you are outside, building a fire to cook delicious meals. In a matter of seconds, a cheerful gathering can easily turn into a frightening accident. Grease fires on the grill are highly hazardous, which is why adhering to safety measures is crucial. Overloading the grill gates, leaving the grill unanttended, and ignoring grease buildup are some of the reasons why grease fires occur in many households. Having that in mind, it is important to handle your grills safely and properly. This not only ensures the safety of everyone in your household but also guarantees that your grills are in good working condition all year round.