Home Grill Fires

Report: NFPA's "Home Grill Fires” 
Author: Marty Ahrens
Issued: April 2019 

Tables

Home Grill Fires

In 2013-2017, grills, hibachis or barbecues were involved in an average of 10,200 home fires per year, including an average of 4,500 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires. These fires caused annual averages of 10 civilian deaths, 160 reported civilian injuries, and $123 million in direct property damage. Almost all the losses resulted from structure fires.

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Highlights  

Based on 2013-2017 annual averages:

• July (17%) was the peak month for grill fires, followed by June (14%), May (13%) and August (12%).
• The grill had not been cleaned in roughly one-quarter of the fires.
• More than one-quarter of grill structure fires started on an exterior balcony or open porch. Ten percent began when an outside wall caught fire; 5% began with some type of structural member or framing.
• Eighty-five percent of grills involved in home fires were fueled by gas while 10% used charcoal or other solid fuel.
• Gas grills were involved in an average of 8,700 home fires per year, including 3,600 structure fires and 5,100 outdoor fires annually. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills. Eleven percent of gas grill structure fires and 23% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks.
• Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,100 home fires per year, including 600 structure fires and 500 outside fires annually.

Related report

"Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment" report (PDF)