Tips For Avoiding Dangerous Accidents This Grilling Season

Most of us have found ways to spend more time outside lately. Spring in Minnesota is a real “selling point” for those outside the state who wonder why we live here.  

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The temperatures are really good, humidity is relatively low (I’m from North Carolina; the humidity here doesn’t seem nearly as bad as it does down south), and there’s plenty to do in Minnesota this time of year. 

One of the more popular things to do is throw some food on the grill and enjoy the outdoors. Did you know that in the past June has seen the second most grill related injuries for the peak grilling months.  

July has a slight edge in the number of grill injuries during the peak months.  

The National Fire Prevention Association says that between 2019 and 2023, gas grills were involved in an average whopping 9,287 home fires each year. Those numbers include 4,682 structure fires and 4,605 outdoor fires each year.  

More than one third of fires that start on a balcony or deck are generated by grills, while 8% of structure fires started when a wall caught fire.  

Between 2020 and 2024, over 21,600 people had to be treated at a hospital because of a fire related injury that started with a grill. 

Here’s the advice the NFPA offers to you so that you and your family enjoy great good and stay safe in the process. 

• Check the gas tank for leaks well in advance of the time you want to use it 

• Keep the grill clean from grease or fat build up on the grilling surface 

• Make sure the grill is positioned a good distance away from your home, railings, over hanging branches and make sure the grill is not sitting under the home's eaves 

• Always keep your kids and pets at least three feet away from the grill 

• Make sure the lid of open before lighting the grill (yep, that’s a real piece of advice) 

• If you are using charcoal, use only charcoal starter fluid, don’t add any other fluids to the fire 

• Never leave the grill unattended 

The NFPA offers a great deal of advice and information on this link. Pay attention to the little details and make it a safe grilling season this year.