Summertime Barbecue Hazards

By Jennifer van der Kleut

Nothing says summer like firing up the grill in the backyard for a tasty barbecue with friends and family.

But, you'd be surprised how many accidents happen each year locally while doing just that, Fairfax County said.

In fact - did you know it's illegal to fire up a gas-powered or charcoal-based barbecue on your balcony if you live in an apartment or condo in Fairfax County?

Only electric grills listed by a recognized testing authority may be used on apartment and condo balconies within the county, authorities said in a recent news release.

While that law doesn't apply inside the City of Fairfax, the County said, safety tips are good for all to be aware of.

"As the grilling or barbecue season arrives, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department wants to remind residents that grill fires cause an estimated average of 10 deaths, 100 injuries, and $37 million in property loss each year nationwide, according to the U.S. Fire Administration," the release stated.

According to the County, almost half - or 49 percent - of grill fires on residential properties occur between 5 and 8 p.m. Thirty-two percent of all grill fires occur in the months of May, June, July, and August, and the leading category of equipment power sources is "gas fuels" - 79 percent.

"Heat from powered equipment" is the leading heat source category from grill fires on residential properties. The leading category of factors contributing to ignition is "mechanical failure, malfunction" - 39 percent. Within this category, leaks or breaks of containers or pipes account for approximately 23 percent of all grill fires on residential properties.

Grills, hibachis, and barbecues on residential properties continue to be a high fire risk and, on average, result in more injuries and slightly higher dollar losses when compared to all other fires, according to Fairfax County.

"It is crucial that each person diligently practice fire safety when cooking or grilling outside," the release stated.

Fairfax County offers the following safety tips for barbecuing and grilling: 

• Grills should be placed at least 15 feet from any home, building, or combustibles to ensure adequate air circulation.
• Charcoal must be kept dry. Wet charcoal can spontaneously ignite. Spare propane bottles should be stored outside away from the home. A backyard shed is a good place.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill. Grills continue to give off heat long after cooking has stopped.
• Never place hot ashes in paper or plastic bags or containers. Only use metal containers for hot ashes.
• Use Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-approved electrical starters in place of lighter fluid.
• Never use a gas- or charcoal -fueled grill on apartment or condominium balconies - doing so is against the law. However, electric grills listed by a recognized testing authority may be used on balconies.

View the video above for more safety tips from Fairfax County.

For more information, call Daniel L. Schmidt or Captain I William Moreland, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, at 703-246-3801 and TTY: 711. You can also view the department's Facebook page.