Barbecuing this weekend? Don’t let your house become the main course
Ready to grill up a storm? Just make sure it’s burgers, not your backyard—fire crews are sharing key barbecue safety tips to keep your summer sizzling for all the right reasons.
Fire officials are urging residents to make safety a top priority, as barbecue season gets underway.
Cooking remains the number one cause of residential fires, and propane barbecues—if not maintained or used properly—can quickly go from backyard fun to emergency response.
"Using a propane barbecue indoors or even in a garage is a no-go," said Fire Chief Andrew Zvanitajs with Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) in an interview with The Weather Network."It only takes a split second for a grease fire to start or something to explode or ignite, and then you’re in a heap of trouble."
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Zvanitajs recommends doing a full inspection before lighting up your grill. That includes checking for grease buildup, clearing out any spiderwebs or nests from burners, and ensuring the propane tank is in good shape—with no dents, cracks, or corrosion. Don’t forget: propane tanks have expiry dates, too.
“You want to have the barbecue at least one metre away from anything combustible, like a house or a fence… We never throw water on a grease fire; we always want to smother it. The most common incident is a barbecue that was unattended and hasn't been maintained,” Zvanitajs explained.
Check hose and cylinder connections to make sure they are in good working condition. To look for leaks, brush a mixture of 50 per cent soap and 50 per cent water onto all hoses and connections—then, look for bubbles. Replace, repair, or tighten any connections until the bubbles are gone. Never use a match or lighter to check for leaks, explained VFRS.
Grease fires are among the most common calls fire departments respond to.
“If the drip tray isn’t clean or grease pools under the barbecue, it can ignite and quickly spread to your house or garage,” Fire Chief Zvanitajs warns.
Officials also remind people to never leave their barbecue unattended and to keep kids and pets clear while it’s in use. And if you’re transporting a propane tank, always secure it upright in your vehicle with the windows cracked— and never leave it in a hot car.
One final tip that could save lives: check your smoke alarms.
“Several recent fatal fires in Ontario had one thing in common: no working smoke alarms… When you spring ahead or fall back, make it a habit to test them; it will save your life,” urged Fire Chief Zvanitajs.
Barbecue season should sizzle, not spark. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the grill.
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