As summer approaches, the Town of Fuquay-Varina has issued safety tips for outdoor grilling. According to the town’s official website, grills—whether propane or charcoal—should be used only outdoors and kept away from homes, eaves, and overhanging branches to reduce the risk of fire.
The Town of Fuquay-Varina advises residents to keep children and pets at least three feet away from grills and to never leave them unattended. Grill safety tips also include cleaning off grease buildup to prevent fires and always opening the lid of a gas grill before lighting it to avoid flare-ups.
When it comes to charcoal grills, using a charcoal chimney starter with newspaper can be a safe alternative to lighter fluid, which should never be added to a fire already in progress. For those using electric starters, the town recommends an extension cord made for outdoor use. It's vital that once grilling is done, coals should be allowed to cool completely before disposal in a metal container.
For propane grills, a simple soap and water solution can be applied to check for gas leaks, which will readily reveal themselves by bubbling up at the site of the leak. In the event of smelling gas or identifying a leak with no flame present, it's important to turn off the gas tank and grill, then get it serviced professionally. If the smell of gas is detected while cooking or if the flame goes out, the immediate action should be to get away from the appliance and call the fire department, avoiding to move the grill.
Grill fires happen most often in July, making up 15% of cases, followed by June, May, and August. According to the Town of Fuquay-Varina, not cleaning grills caused 20% of these fires. Gas grills are linked to about 9,287 home fires each year, mostly due to leaks or breaks. From 2020 to 2024, grilling accidents caused an average of 21,682 emergency room visits every year.
