Let's go Grilling!
Peggy Claytor
When the warmer weather hits, there’s nothing better than the smell of food on the grill. Seven out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have a grill or smoker*, which translates to a lot of tasty meals. But it also means there’s an increased risk of home fires. In 2017-2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 11,421 home** fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year, including an average of 5,763 structure fires and 5,659 outside or unclassified fires.
Grilling fire facts
- July (16%) was the peak month for grill fires, followed by June (14%), May (12%) and August (11%).
- In 2017-2021, an average of 22,155 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.*** Nearly half (10,342 or 47%) of the injuries were thermal burns, including both burns from fire and from contact with hot objects; 6,074 thermal burns, per year, were caused by such contact or other non-fire events.
- Children under five accounted for an average 2,820 or 46%, of the contact-type burns, per year. These burns typically occurred when someone, often a child, bumped into, touched or fell on the grill, grill part or hot coals. Keep children away from the grill.
- Gas grills were involved in an average of 9,079 home fires per year, including 4,454 structure fires and 4,625 outdoor fires annually. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills. 6% of gas grill structure fires and 15% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks.
- Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,440 home fires per year, including 754 structure fires and 686 outside fires annually.
Safety first!
