Grill Fire Prevention: 4 Simple Steps For a Safe Summer

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

The fire restoration professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 for services!

If a grill fire does affect your property, make sure you call SERVPRO of North Bethesda for fire damage restoration.

Grill fires are common during the summer months and can cause extensive damage to your home if not extinguished quickly.

This article will discuss grill fires and the steps you can take to prevent them from happening. We will also cover what to do if a grill fire does occur and how to minimize the damage caused by the fire.

How does a grill fire start?

A grill fire typically occurs when the grill is left unattended or when fat and grease build up on the grill grates. If you are grilling, it is crucial to stay close by and keep an eye on the fire. If you see flames beginning to lick up the sides of the grill, take action immediately to extinguish the fire.

How can I prevent grill fires?

There are several things you can do to prevent grill fires:

1. Clean your grill regularly. Grease and fat build-up is a significant fire hazard, so it is essential to keep your grill clean. Wipe down the grates after each use, and scrub them with soapy water regularly.
2. Don't grill in an enclosed area. Grilling in an enclosed space can cause dangerous levels of smoke and carbon monoxide. 
3. Keep flammable materials away from the grill, including paper plates, towels, and clothing.
4. Never leave the grill unattended. If you have to leave the area, turn off the grill and ensure that all embers are extinguished.

What should I do if a grill fire occurs?

If a grill fire does occur, it is important to take action immediately to extinguish the flames. Do not try to move the grill, as this can spread the fire. If the fire is small, you may be able to smother it with a wet towel or blanket. However, if the fire is large or out of control, you should immediately call 911 and evacuate the area.

Once the fire is extinguished, you will need to assess the damage. If the fire was small and contained to the grill, you may be able to clean the grill and continue using it. However, if the fire caused extensive damage, you should contact a professional fire damage restoration company to assess the situation.

A fire damage restoration company will have the equipment and expertise necessary to safely clean and repair your grill and any other damage caused by the fire. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not it is safe to continue using the grill.

Can a grill fire damage a house?

Recently, a grill fire at a house caused extensive damage to the property.

The grill was on the deck, next to the house underneath an overhanging roof. While the roof did protect against the elements, it also posed a fire hazard.

When the grill fire started, the flames rose and caused extensive fire damage to the roof and adjacent wall. Don't worry; the firefighters put out the blaze before the entire house succumbed to fire.

The fire damage restoration process included replacing the damaged portion of the deck and kitchen and a recommendation not to grill close to the house!

SERVPRO of North Bethesda: fire damage restoration experts

In this article, we have discussed grill fires and the steps that you can take to prevent them. We have also covered what to do if a grill fire does occur and how to minimize the damage caused by the fire.

Once the fire is extinguished, you will need to assess the damage. If the fire was small and contained to the grill, you may be able to clean the grill and continue using it. However, if the fire caused extensive damage, you should contact a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO of North Bethesda. We'll make your property "Like it never even happened."