Grilling Season Safety
Grilling season is upon us and the Euless Fire Department would like for you to take a minute to ensure your barbecue experience is a pleasant one!
If you live in a multi-family structure, local codes prohibit the use of a grill, smoker or other open flame device within ten feet of the structure, including balconies, patios and breezeways.
If you have a propane grill, take a moment to inspect your grill before the start of the season and periodically during the season;
- Visually inspect your grill to make certain it stands securely and has no apparent problems such as rusted through areas, heavy grease build ups or missing parts that need to be cleaned or repaired before you use it.
- Spray all connections and supply lines with soapy water. If bubbles form then you have a leak. Turn off the gas and correct the leak before using the grill.
- Inspect your burner and make sure it has an even flame. If there are any visible signs of deterioration or an uneven flame is present, replace the burner element.
- Check and clean out the venturi tubes that deliver the gas to the burner. If the tubes are blocked or clogged, gas can leak out of the intended path of travel and cause a problem.
When you barbecue, be certain to follow these safety rules:
- Keep your barbecue at least ten feet from buildings and combustibles. That provides enough clearance to keep grease flare ups or other events from endangering your home.
- Be absolutely certain you aren't grilling under an eave or other structural overhang.
- When using gas grills, just open the propane tank about a quarter or half turn. That's all that you need to grill, but it makes it easier to turn off the gas if a problem occurs.
- Keep pets and children away from grills.
- Stay with your grill while it is hot!
- If you try to light your grill and it doesn't immediately light, leave it for a few minutes to allow any gas accumulations to dissipate before you try to light it again.
- Turn off the propane tank when you are finished cooking if you are using a gas grill.
- If you use a charcoal grill, don't use gasoline or similar flammable liquids to start or maintain the fire, and never squirt lighter fluid or other flammable or combustible liquids onto a fire that you have already lit. Many serious burns occur as a result of this act.
- Give lighter fluids a chance to soak in before you try to ignite a charcoal fire and always stand back when you do light the fire, just in case the vapors do flash.
- After your charcoal fire is "out" be careful, as cool charcoal can retain enough heat to ignite combustibles for over 24 hours. Our recommendation is to submerge the coals in a bucket of water using tongs and oven mitts to protect your hands and carry them directly to the curb for trash pick up. We see many fires caused by cold barbecue briquettes that were placed in a cardboard box or trash bag and left on an outside wall or placed in the garage until trash pickup day.