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