Last Memorial Day weekend, three homes in Las Vegas caught fire and burned, displacing 16 residents, because of an unattended grill that caught a patio cover on fire.

Those flames spread to a palm tree, and the fronds fell on two other homes, causing them to ignite as well.

We may not have palm trees here in New England, but we definitely have grills, and with grilling season upon us it’s important to be vigilant about grill safety.  

Grills start an average of 10,200 home fires annually,  The National Fire Protection Association reports. And according to FEMA, grill accidents cause an estimated $37 million in property loss each year.

Here are 7 ways to keep your home and deck flame-free while grilling:

  1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from any structure (like your house, deck railings, patio covers…) and don’t position it beneath trees that could ignite with the help of floating embers.
  2. Make sure your grill is situated on sturdy ground: A grill falling over can quickly cause a home fire.
  3. Never leave a grill unattended: As tempting as it is to walk away while your steaks are cooking — dont. Forgot something inside? Call a family member to go grab it. As the Las Vegas story shows, an unattended grill can have grave consequences for both you and your neighbors.
  4. Watch your alcohol intake: Intoxication and flames are never a good mix. Enjoy a beer, but if you’ve had too much let someone else take over the grill.
  5. Clean your grill every time: In 25% of the fires caused by grilling, it was because the grill hadn’t been cleaned.
  6. Buy a fire extinguisher: Grease fires can’t be put out with water, and an extinguisher could be the difference between some charred decking and an entire home in flames.
  7. Turn off your grill: This seems obvious, but it’s easy to get distracted and forget to properly shut down the grill after you’re done cooking. In the case of charcoal, make sure the grill is attended until the coals are completely cooled and disposed of in a metal trash can.

Too Late?

Has grilling already caused fire damage to your home? When disaster strikes, Sabel Adjusters is an advocate for you. We manage, prepare and present your insurance claim to ensure you get the settlement you deserve, expediting the recovery process for you!

Call us at 508.746.0918 to find out more today, or visit us at SabelAdjusters.com.