Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and many people will be firing up their grills to enjoy good food and time with family and friends. The Clayton Fire Department reminds everyone that grilling safely is the key to a fun and worry-free holiday. 

Grilling fires cause an average of 10,000 home fires each year in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Nearly half of those fires happen in May, June, and July, which is the heart of grilling season. 

Captain Bryan Belvin, Community Risk Reduction Specialist, stresses the importance of staying alert and prepared when cooking outdoors.  

"Grilling can bring people together, but it only takes a moment for things to go wrong,” said Belvin. “Staying safe protects not just yourself but everyone around you… your family, your neighbors, and even first responders who may be called to help." 

Captain Belvin points out four simple ways to help prevent a fire: 

• Place grills well away from homes, fences, and anything flammable to reduce the risk of fires caused by radiant heat or stray sparks.
• Always open the grill lid before lighting a gas grill to let any gas buildup escape safely, avoiding dangerous flare-ups or explosions.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended, even for a moment. Fires can escalate quickly without supervision.
• Maintain a safe zone of at least three feet around the grill to keep children and pets protected from burns or injuries.

When using charcoal grills, Captain Belvin advises using the correct lighter fluid and waiting until the coals are fully covered with ash before cooking to help prevent sudden flare-ups. 

With gas grills, one of the biggest risks is turning on the gas and waiting too long to ignite it. Captain Belvin explains that this allows gas to build up and can lead to a fire or explosion. If the grill does not light immediately, he recommends turning off the gas and waiting five minutes before trying again. 

“It’s easy to forget that something as simple as a loose shirt or long necklace can turn dangerous around a hot grill,” said Captain Belvin. “Just take a quick look at what you're wearing before you start. It's a small move that can make a big difference.” 

Grills should be placed on stable, level surfaces to prevent tipping. Securing the grill on windy days adds an extra layer of safety. Captain Belvin also highlights the importance of turning off the gas and allowing the grill to cool completely before cleaning. Regular maintenance helps reduce grease buildup, lowering the risk of flare-ups and fire hazards. 

For more tips on preventing grilling accidents or other safety information, visit townofclaytonnc.org/fire.