Grilling Safety Tips from Arlington County Fire Department
Gas 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.
Questions should be directed to Arlington County's Fire Prevention Office at 703-228-4644. Simple Safety Tips For All Types of Grills- 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.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
- Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers.
- Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
Charcoal Grills- Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited
- Never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going
Gas Grills- Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame:
- Turn off the gas tank and grill.
- If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
- If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
- All gas cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of gas before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.
- Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
- Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.
*Tips are courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association
A Message to Residents of Multi-family Dwellings Residents in high-rises, duplexes, townhouses and multi-family dwellings are reminded that cooking on balconies, with any flame producing device, is prohibited by County Code. Only electric cookers and electric grills are allowed on balconies of these type of occupancies. Read more. No charcoal cooker, brazier, hibachi, grill or any gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquid or liquefied petroleum gas-fired stove or similar device except for electric cookers or grills shall be ignited or used on the balconies of any apartment building, stacked units, or other structures with similar occupancy. Questions should be directed to Arlington County's Fire Prevention Office at 703-228-4644.
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