The warmer weather is the perfect occasion for friends and family to cook delicious food together on the grill. If you want to keep your home and family secure during grilling season, ensure you are prepared before the season begins.
Grill fires can happen for several reasons, but most often because fat or grease from the food catches on fire. If you are ever faced with a grill fire, don’t panic! There are several ways to put out a fire safely.
Here we will discuss how to extinguish a grill fire in the first place. In addition, we will provide some tips on how to avoid grill fires in the future.
Common Causes Of Grill Fires
Grease and fat buildup are common causes of grill fires. They can ignite quickly when they come into contact with an open flame. Another common cause is forgetting to clean the grill grates. Food particles and grease can quickly catch fire on the grates.
Irregular Cleaning
If you don’t clean your grill regularly, it’s also more likely that bits of food will fall through the grates and onto the charcoal or gas burner. When this happens, the grease and fats can cause a dangerous flare-up. So, be sure to clean your grill grates before each use!
Excess Lighter Fluid
Another common cause of grill fires is using too much lighter fluid. If you use too much lighter fluid, it can easily ignite when you light the grill. The best way to avoid this problem is to use a chimney starter instead of a lighter fluid. Chimney starters help get your charcoal hot without using any flammable liquids.
Weather Conditions
Windy conditions can also cause grill fires. The flames can quickly spread to other grill parts or nearby buildings or trees if you’re grilling in windy weather. Be sure to keep an eye on the fire and move your grill away from any flammable materials if necessary.
How To Put Out A Grill Fire Safely
It is inevitable that sooner or later, you’ll have to deal with a grill fire. A grill fire can quickly become dangerous, whether caused by a faulty gas line, an errant spark, or simply too much heat. But don’t panic! With a few quick steps, you can extinguish a grill fire before it does any damage.
Here’s what to do if you find yourself in the middle of a grill fire:
1. Turn off the gas supply
Immediately turn off the gas supply to the grill. If your grill is powered by propane, turn off the valve on the propane tank. If it’s powered by natural gas, this means finding the shut-off valve for your home’s gas line and turning it off.
2. Use a fire-resistant cover
Once the gas is shut off, cover the grill with a fire-resistant cover. It will smother the flames and prevent oxygen from reaching them. A lid from a baking pan or even a large pot will work in a pinch.
3. Allow the grill to cool
Allow the grill to cool completely before opening the cover. Once it’s cool, you can inspect the grill for damage and make any necessary repairs.
You can extinguish a grill fire quickly and safely with these simple steps! Remember to keep your cool, and never try to fight fire with water.
By following these simple steps, you can put out a grill fire quickly and safely!
Tips To Prevent Grill Fires
No one wants to deal with a grill fire. They’re smoky, they smell bad, and worst of all, they can be dangerous. But before you can learn how to put out a grill fire, you need to know how to prevent them from happening. Here are some tips:
- Keep your grill clean. A buildup of grease and debris is one of the most common causes of grill fires. Make sure to give your grill a good scrubbing down before each use.
- Be careful with marinades and sauces. If you’re using a marinade or sauce that contains oil, make sure to apply it sparingly. Too much fat can cause flare-ups.
- Preheat your grill. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. A properly preheated grill will help to prevent flare-ups.
- Watch the weather. Windy conditions can make it difficult to control your fire. It might be best to wait until the weather dies before firing up your grill if it’s particularly windy.
By following these tips, you can help prevent grill fires from happening in the first place.
Things You Cannot Ignore!
Grilling is a great way to cook food, but it also comes with risks. One of the most common dangers of grilling is a fire.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent grill fires in the first place:
If You Have a Flare-Up:
- Cover the grill. It will help to starve the fire of oxygen and hopefully extinguish it.
- Turn off the gas. If you’re using a gas grill, turn off the gas immediately.
- Call the fire department. Don’t try to fight the fire yourself. Leave it to the professionals.
If Your Food is on Fire:
- Don’t Panic! It’s natural to freak out when your food catches on fire, but it’s essential to stay calm. The last thing you want to do is make things worse by panicking and making sudden movements.
- Smother the flames with baking soda or salt. Baking soda and salt are both great at extinguishing fires. So if you have either of these on hand, use them to smother the flames.
- Use a fire extinguisher. If you have a fire extinguisher, point it at the base of the fire and give it a quick blast.
Be Prepared:
People could easily avoid a lot of grill fires if they were just more prepared. One way to be prepared for a grill fire is to have a fire extinguisher close by. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, you should at least have a bucket of water or sand close by.
Another way to be prepared for a grill fire is to know how to use your fire extinguisher. You should read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and familiarize yourself with it before there is an emergency.
If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, you can still put out a grill fire with water or sand. Just make sure that you have a lot of water or sand and that you are very careful not to get burned. Be sure to douse the flames completely before leaving the area.
Grill fires can be dangerous and destructive. But if you are prepared, they can be easily controlled and extinguished.
FAQs
Can I use a fire extinguisher on a grill fire?
Yes, you can use a fire extinguisher on a grill fire. However, it is essential to choose the right type of extinguisher. Class B fires, which are familiar with grills, require an extinguisher rated for flammable liquids. Do not use water to try to put out a grease fire; this will only spread the flames.
What should I do if my clothes catch on fire while I am cooking?
Stop, drop, and roll if your clothes catch on fire while cooking. Stop the oxygen flow to the fire by dropping to the ground and rolling around. Once the flames are extinguished, seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Putting out a grill fire is not as difficult as it may seem. You can quickly and easily extinguish a grill fire with the right tools and precautions.
Be sure to have a fire extinguisher on hand, and be familiar with your grill to act quickly in a fire. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your grilling experience without worry.
Now that you know how to put out a grill fire enjoy some delicious food!