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Outdoor BBQ Grills

One of the greatest pleasures of summer is eating and cooking outdoors with family and friends. The Richardson Fire Department suggests the following safety precautions when cooking outdoors.

Charcoal Grilling:

• When establishing a site for a barbecue, be sure there is nothing hanging overhead and it is a safe distance from trees, buildings and other combustibles.
• When using charcoal grills, use only the lighter fluids designated for use with charcoal grills when starting your fire.
• Never use gasoline to start your fire.
• Immediately after using the lighter fluid, replace the fluid container in its storage location.
• Do not set it down by the grill.
• Never use gasoline to quicken a charcoal fire.
• Don't add a charcoal starter fluid to the fire after it has begun.
• The flames can travel up to the can and cause an explosion.
• Always keep starter fluids in containers with child-resistant caps, and keep them out of the reach of children.
• Don't wear loose clothing or robes around charcoal grills. Flaming grease can ignite clothing.
• Keep a small spray bottle of water handy to douse flaming grease.

LP Gas Grilling:

• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), when used to fire a home barbecue, is contained under pressure in a steel cylinder.
• The contents of an LPG cylinder, vaporized and in a confined area have the explosive force of several sticks of dynamite. Therefore, the wise user of LPG will be aware of the dangers involved and the precautions that must be taken.
• Read the manufacturer's instructions and be sure you thoroughly understand them.
• Do not transport LPG cylinders in the trunk of a passenger vehicle. A filled cylinder should always be transported in an upright position on the floor of a vehicle with all windows open.
• Remove the cylinder from the vehicle as soon as possible. Never leave a cylinder in a parked vehicle.
• Using the proper size of wrench, make sure that all connections are tight. Remember that fittings on flammable gas cylinders have left-hand threads, requiring effort in a counterclockwise direction to tighten.
• Make sure that grease is not allowed to drip on the hose or cylinders.
• Never allow children to use a gas-fired barbecue.
• Don't be tempted by a rainy day to use outdoor cooking equipment inside - not even in a garage or on a porch or balcony.
• Never use a gas-fired barbecue inside any structure.
• If you are using a butane or propane barbecue, be sure there are no leaks from the tank or plumbing.
• If you suspect a leak, spray a soapy solution of water and dishwashing detergent over the tubing, hoses and fittings. If bubbling is found, turn off the supply at the tank and call a repairman.
• When using these types of barbecues, be sure to light a match first and place it in the ignition hole before turning the gas valve on.
• If you turn the gas valve on first, and then waste time looking for a match, flammable gas will build up inside the barbecue. When a lighted match is finally placed near the barbecue, an explosion may result.
• When you are finished cooking, turn the gas valve off to the barbecue and shut off the supply valve at the tank.
• Never store any LPG cylinder - attached to the barbecue, or spare containers - inside any part of a structure, including porches and balconies.
• Store cylinders, including those attached to barbecues, outdoors in a shaded, cool area out of direct sunlight.

GRILLS AT APARTMENT COMPLEXES:
Grill Location:

1. At least 10 feet distance from any combustible structures; ex. Walkways, porches, patios, balconies, sheds and trees.
2. Grills used in safe location should always have supervision.
3. Portable fire extinguishers or water hoses should be available for any fire emergency.

Disposing of Grill Ashes:

1. Always extinguish all flames, charcoal briquettes, wood, etc. after every grilling.
2. Always place the ashes, hot and cold, in a noncombustible container at least 10 feet away from any combustible.

Misuse of Cooking Grills:

1. Used to burn leaves, grass, trash, etc.
2. Smoke and heat blown into apartment units

Fire Causes in Apartments related to Grill Cooking Operations

1. Wood overhang ignited by heat or flying embers
2. Ashes and residue placed in plastic or paper containers for disposal
3. Ashes discarded into dumpsters
4. Ashes placed on grass or too close to wood fences
5. Leaking propane gas cylinders
6. Improper installation of natural gas lines, propane tank cylinders

Means of Notification to Residents

1. Included in signed lease agreement to all tenants; smoke detectors, grills, etc.
2. Verbal communication
3. Brochures
4. Newsletters

More On BBQ Grill Placement!