The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued advice on staying safe around barbecues as the weather gets warmer.
Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the organisation is warning people of the dangers of hitting the grill which leads to a seasonal increase of injuries, fatalities and property damage.
NFPA highlights seasonal fire trends
According to the latest NFPA data, July records the highest number of home grilling fires, followed by June, May and August.
Between 2020 and 2024, US fire departments responded to an annual average of 12,141 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues.
These incidents included 6,110 structure fires and 6,031 outdoor or unclassified fires. The fires caused 15 civilian deaths, 171 reported injuries and $241 million in direct property damage. Most losses resulted from structure fires.
Gas grills remain the biggest concern
NFPA statistics show 76% of home grilling fires involved gas grills, while 13% involved charcoal or other solid fuel grills.
Gas grills accounted for an annual average of 9,235 home fires, including 4,662 structure fires. Leaks or breaks caused 6% of gas grill structure fires and 13% of outside gas grill fires.
Safety guidance for homeowners
NFPA said 20% of grilling fires were linked to grills that had not been cleaned. The organisation recommends checking propane tanks for leaks, keeping grills away from buildings and branches, opening gas grill lids before lighting, and never leaving grills unattended during use at any time.
Lorraine Carli, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA, said: “Outdoor grilling is a popular way to cook during the warmer months, but it does present the risk of fire and burns.
“We want to help ensure that the grilling season remains a safe one for everybody.
“Knowing when and where grilling fires tend to happen helps people better understand where risk exits and how to reduce their likelihood.”
