GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD) wishes to remind community members to be mindful of safe grilling practices after they responded to two structure fires caused by outdoor grilling this week.
"It tells me that it's grilling season. We're coming up to our peak month for grilling fires, July, for grilling fires," GRFD Captain Kara Johnson said. "It also tells me people aren't using grilling safety tips."
One fire happened in the 800 block of Dickinson. The other happened on Elm Street, just west of Division.
Citing data by the National Fire Protection Association, GRFD says gas grills play a role in more than 9,000 house fires on average each year, often as a result of leaks or breaks. That’s compared to nearly 1,500 house fires annually from solid-fueled grills (e.g. charcoal).
Fire officials urge residents to keep the following in mind when firing up the grill:
- Make sure nothing is within three feet of an active grill and keep grills at least ten feet away from all structures.
- Ensure all hoses and connections aren’t leaking and in good condition before use.
- Don’t light a grill on flammable surfaces (e.g. wooden decks).
- Open gas grills before lighting them.
- Always keep an eye on active grills and keep pets and children away from them while in use.
- Clean grills after using them to prevent grease buildup. Clean grease traps frequently.
- Throw coals away inside a metal container after they cool off, and keep receptacles away from flammable materials.
"They also recommend having a three-foot safety zone around your grill," Johnson emphasized. "Don't have any combustibles, like chairs. Don't let kids or dogs run in that three-foot area."
RELATED: DNR issues statewide burn restrictions due to ‘extremely’ dry conditions
"We're running more grass fires in the city because of the dryness. That's more unusual. We normally see that in the more rural areas," Johnson added.
