State Fire Marshal Provides Checklist
for Safe Memorial Day Weekend Cookouts
JEFFERSON CITY, May 26, 2006—With the onset of summer, outdoor
grilling becomes a popular activity, but it can be dangerous during
weekend cookouts. State Fire Marshal Randy Cole urges Missourians
to exercise caution and common sense when cooking on a grill.
“Common sense and taking a few simple precautions can keep a
family experience from turning into a tragedy.” Cole said.
The main contributing factor to a decline in grilling related fires
according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is due
to code changes that require gas cylinders to have overfill protection
devices (OPD). This valve is designed to shut off the flow of fuel
before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of
fuel if the cylinder heats up. By April 2002 all new and existing
cylinders were required to be equipped with an OPD valve.
According to the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA), gas fueled and charcoal grills cause approximately 900 home
fires annually. Statistics indicate that gas grills have a higher
fire risk than charcoal grills. The leading causes of fires in relation
to grilling are placing combustibles too close to heat and leaving
cooking unattended. It is important to grill not only outside your
home, but well enough away from your home. At least half of all grilling
related fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Grilling:
Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings
and out from under eaves.
Keep children away from the grill area: enforce a three-foot “safe
zone” around the grill.
Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill
to avoid it from being ignited by a hot grill.
Charcoal Grills:
Purchase and use proper starting fluid and store the
container out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
Never add starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited.
Never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal
starter fluid.
Gas Grills:
Check the gas cylinder for leaks before using it for
the first time each year. Leaks can be detected by using a soapy water
solution applied to the hose and fittings. Bubbles will appear if
leak(s) is present.
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). OPD’s are easily identified by their
triangular-shaped hand wheel.
Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to set up the
grill and maintain it.
NEVER store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages.