Fire department provides summer grilling safety tips

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  With June here and grills lighting up all across the installation, the Hanscom Fire Department reminds base housing residents to use proper grilling techniques and adhere to base safety practices when cooking outdoors.

Base policy requires that grills be kept a safe distance from homes, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

"On base, propane or charcoal grills must be used a minimum of 10 feet from a structure or combustible material," said Capt. Robert J. Kenyon, 66th Air Base Group Fire Department fire/life safety inspector. "Grills must be used outdoors only and never left unattended. Children and pets should also be kept a minimum of three feet away."

In addition to keeping grills a safe distance from structures, Kenyon urges personnel to avoid grilling in an enclosed area.

"Grilling indoors or in an enclosed area can result in carbon monoxide being produced that can cause serious injury," he said.

Kenyon also cautioned when lighting a grill, be sure the grill lid is open beforehand to avoid combustion, and when lighting charcoal grills, use only charcoal starter fluid and never add charcoal fluid to an already lit flame.

"It's important to have a hose or fire extinguisher nearby in the event of an emergency," he said.

Safely discarding hot coals is another important consideration, Kenyon added.

"It's critical to allow the coals to cool completely before disposing in a metal container," he said. "The coals could ignite and start a more serious fire."

Another potential hazard for gas grills is a leaking hose from the propane tank to the grill. Kenyon suggests checking the gas tank hose frequently by applying a soap and water solution to the hose.

"A propane leak from a hose will release bubbles," he said. "If 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 and get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again."

He went on to suggest that if you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.

Another safe practice is to keep matches and lighters away from children.

"Children should be taught to notify an adult immediately when they find matches or lighters," Kenyon said.

Other grilling safety tips Kenyon suggested are to avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking on the grill, keep your grill clean by removing grease buildup that may cause a fire and to never leave the grill unattended.

In the event of a fire or any other emergency, the fire department urges residents to call 911. For more information about fire safety and prevention, call 781-225-5601.