Portable Grill Safety Tips

Before heading out to a campground, park, or beach, check to see if there are any restrictions regarding grills. Make sure to only use a grill in areas where it is permitted. Some places may restrict starting any fires. Before you go, check the fire danger rating in the area you plan to visit to determine if the weather or other factors make it dangerous to light a fire.

Using Charcoal for Cooking

• Charcoal chimneys typically use newspaper as a fuel source to start the fire. Be sure to use a long match to light the newspaper to avoid burning your fingers.
• For charcoal grills that require the use of lighter fluid, do not use another fluid (such as gasoline or other flammable liquid) to start the fire.
• If your coals or kindling have already ignited, do not add more lighter fluid.

Cooking

• Be mindful of trees. Never set-up a grill under overhanging branches.
• Select an area that is a safe distance from play areas or foot traffic to set-up your grill.
• Create a safe zone around your grill. Children and pets should be kept at least 3-feet away
• Anything that can burn, such as food wrappers, oven mitts or towels should be kept at least 3-feet away from the open flames of a grill.
• To avoid burns from the heat and flames, use long-handled tools while cooking and keep the fire small.
• When a campfire or grill is burning, an adult must be present. Never leave the a fire unattended.

Disposing of charcoal

• Douse the fire with water and make sure it’s cool to the touch before leaving the grill unattended.
• According to the NFPA, 5% of outside grill fires occur in a lawn, field or open area
• Do not empty coals into a trash can. Use only metal containers that have a tight-fitting lid are specifically designed to collect coals.
• Containers should be placed outside and away from anything that can burn.
• Starter fluid should be stored out of reach of children and away from heat sources.