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"Cooking outdoors is a nice way to enjoy Oregon's wonderful summers with family and friends, and following a few basic outdoor cooking fire safety tips will help keep it safe," says State Fire Marshal Mark Wallace.
The Office of State Fire Marshal offers the following safety tips:
* Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors. Using them indoors or in any enclosed space (e.g. garage) poses a fire hazard and exposes you and your family to deadly gases.
* Place grills away from the home siding, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
* Place your grill a safe distance from play areas and foot traffic.
* Keep children and pets away from the grilling area; declare a three-foot safe zone around the grill.
* Periodically remove grease or fat buildup from catch trays to prevent it from being ignited by a hot grill.
* For propane grills, make sure to check the propane cylinder hose for leaks. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
* Only use proper starter fluid for charcoal grills. Remember to keep it away from heat sources and out of the reach of children and pets.
* Never add starter fluid when coals or kindling are already ignited.
"Also, make sure you dispose of ashes properly," says Wallace. "Even though ashes may feel cool to the touch, treat them as if they are hot. Soak them with water and place them in a nonflammable container. Store the container away from things that can burn."
You can view grilling safety videos and download national data on grill fires and a grilling safety tip sheet from the National Fire Protection Association website.
