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Grilling

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.   Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.   Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.   See all safety tips   AUDIO Lorraine Carli, NFPA Vice President of Communications, on grilling safety:   General grilling safety statistics   Charcoal grill safety statistics   Gas grill safety statistics   Grilling injury statistics   NFPA's grilling safety tips   Gas grill safety tips   Charcoal grill safety tips

Be sure to use safe grilling practices as the peak months for grilling fires approach – June and July. Gas grills constitute a higher risk, having been involved in an annual average of 6,900 home fires in 2005-2009, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in an annual average of 1,100 home fires.

Video:
In these videos, Ted Lemoff, former NFPA principal gas engineer, provides some key safety tips for both gas and charcoal grills.

Facts & figures

• In 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,200 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,800 outside fires. These 8,200 fires caused an annual average of 15 civilian deaths, 120 civilian injuries and $75 million in direct property damage.
• More than one-quarter (29%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 28% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 6% started in the kitchen.
• Flammable or combustible gas or liquid was the item first ignited in half of home outdoor grill fires. In 50% of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, 55% of the outside gas grills, and 36% of gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire. 

Source: NFPA's "Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment," by Marty Ahrens, November 2011.

Also see:  Fact sheet on home fires involving grills (PDF, 41 KB)

NFPA does not test, label or approve any products.
Updated:  12/11

In this Section:

Grilling safety tips What you need to know about staying fire-safe while grilling. Reports and statistics NFPA reports and other research on grilling fires.