HomeMy WebLinkAboutBarbecue Fire Safety
183037 RR145 (Box 130), Brooks, AB T1R 1B2 Check us out on social media
Phone: 403-362-3266
Fax: 866-860-8158
Email: martink@newellmail.ca
Web: www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
BARBECUE FIRE SAFETY
Are you enjoying your Barbecue and all those tasty dishes we like to eat? Do not let careless and unsafe
barbecuing practices ruin your cooking experience. Increase your barbecuing fun by following the safety tips
below.
Fire Facts
• According to fire statistics maintained by the Alberta Fire Commissioners Office, propane was the fuel
source used in 95 per cent of these incidents. Wear-failure and breaks or leaks were the most common
causes of these fires.
• Propane and natural gas are safe and convenient fuels for barbeques when they are used properly.
However, a fire or explosion can occur if a gas leaks into an enclosed, unventilated area. The spark
that ignites the explosion may come from the operation of an electrical device.
• Solid fuels such as wood, chemical blocks or charcoal are alternative fuel sources for barbecues.
These fuels take a while to heat up and ignite and leave hot, burnt coals that require careful disposal.
Never add accelerants (such as gasoline) to speed up a slow burning barbeque. Allow the coals to cool
before disposal.
• Carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) can build up when a barbecue is used in an enclosed area with
limited ventilation, leading to poisoning and even death.
Safety Tips
General
• Purchase only barbecues that bear the CSA, or ULC label.
• Cleaning, maintenance and regular safety inspections must be part of your summer barbecuing routine.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions or use a trained professional for repairs and inspections.
• Use barbecues away from your home, car, dry vegetation, deck rails, out from under eaves, wood
balconies, twigs, tablecloths, and paper cups and plates.
• Trim tree limbs near the barbeque area to prevent the spread of fire from flare-ups of fuel or grease.
• Use long handled barbecue tongs and brushes to keep distance between you and the heat of the
barbecue.
• Keep children and pets away at least 1 meter away from the grill area and never leave the grill
unattended.
• Always have a fire extinguisher, baking soda and water available to put out a fire.
• Wear fitted clothing near a barbecue as flames can ignite loose clothing. Use a heavy apron and an
oven mitt that fits high up over your forearm.
• Don’t cook indoors with a barbecue (garages, sheds, etc.). Use barbecues in a ventilated outdoor area.
• When finished, be sure the gas is turned off and the flames are out. Close the lid to prevent re-ignition.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease buildup.
183037 RR145 (Box 130), Brooks, AB T1R 1B2 Check us out on social media
Phone: 403-362-3266
Fax: 866-860-8158
Email: martink@newellmail.ca
Web: www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
If you are burned, run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. DO NOT use butter or salve on burns —
these products seal in heat and can cause further damage to the tissue. If you receive a serious burn, with
charred skin, seek medical attention immediately.
Gas BBQ
• Locate barbecues in cool outdoor areas.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting the gas cylinder to the barbecue.
• If your barbecue connection area has an “O” ring, check it every time you connect the cylinder. Replace
missing, cracked or damaged “O” rings.
• After connecting the gas supply hose to the barbecue, open the propane cylinder or natural gas supply
valve. Check for gas leaks by applying a soapy solution over the connections and hose. Soap bubbles
will form if there is a leak. If a leak or fire occurs, turn off gas supply valve immediately. If leak does not
stop call your fire department.
• To prevent excessive gas build-up, always light the barbecue as soon as the gas flow is turned on. If
using a match to light the barbeque, always light the match before turning on the gas. If the barbecue is
equipped with an electronic igniter, follow directions on the control panel. If the barbecue doesn’t light
or goes out, turn off the valves, leave the lid open, wait fifteen minutes, then try again.
• Never light a gas barbeque with the lid down. Gas trapped inside can easily ignite and cause the unit to
explode.
• Always ensure that the cylinder valves are either fully open or fully closed.
• Prevent grease from dripping onto the hoses or cylinder, as grease build-up could be a potential fire
hazard.
• Ensure all valves are turned off when barbecue is not in use.
Natural Gas BBQ
• Check the flames on your natural gas barbecue regularly — they should be mostly blue with yellow tips.
If the flame is mostly yellow, stop using the barbeque and contact a qualified gasfitter.
Propane BBQ
• Propane cylinders MUST be retested every 10 years. Re-certification of the tank can be arranged
through most propane filling stations.
• Never store extra propane cylinders under your barbecue or inside any structure. Excess heat may
overpressure the cylinder and cause it to release propane from the cylinder relief valve.
• When transporting a propane cylinder, secure it in an upright position with a safety plug (POL plug) in
place and keep the transport area well ventilated to prevent propane gas build up. A POL plug will
prevent gas leakage when the valve is accidentally turned on, and is available through your local
dealer.
Solid Fuel BBQ
• Use recommended solid fuel fire starters only — accelerants such as gasoline can flash-back and
explode. Electric fire starters are also available.
• Store the remaining fire starter fluid in a safe place away from the grill.
183037 RR145 (Box 130), Brooks, AB T1R 1B2 Check us out on social media
Phone: 403-362-3266
Fax: 866-860-8158
Email: martink@newellmail.ca
Web: www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
• Do not add fire starter fluid to the fire after it has started. A vapour trail leading to the container can
cause explosion and injury.
• Be sure fire starter fluids are not accessible to children, as they are poisonous when swallowed. Special
childproof caps are available at your local dealer.
• Before disposing of the ashes, ensure they are thoroughly extinguished. Live coals or hot embers can
start a fire. Be extremely cautious!
Now you know how to have fun and be safe when barbecuing, so get that apron on and cook up something
fantastic. Follow the above tips and remember that “Safety is an Attitude”.
Keith R. Martin
Manager of Fire & Emergency Services
County of Newell
Rev. Date August 21, 2017