Fire up the Grill, Not the Patio; BBQ Safety for the Memorial Day Weekend

There are many ways to have a good time and be safe.

On May 4th, TVF&R responded to an apartment fire in Tualatin. The occupant told investigators that a charcoal briquette grill was used, after which the ashes from the grill were emptied into a paper bag and stored on the apartment's deck. Fire investigators say the still-warm ashes burned through the paper bag and third story deck, dropping coals to and igniting the second floor deck. The $10,000 in damage was confined to the exterior of the building.

(TUALATIN, Ore.) - There's nothing better than a backyard barbecue. Unfortunately, charcoal briquette and propane barbecues can pose a fire hazard if not used safely. Annually in the United States there are over 6,000 fires and 170 injuries due to barbecue grills. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue reminds individuals of the following safety tips:

* Before barbecuing place your grill away from your home and/or out from underneath a patio overhang in case of fire.

* Have a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of fire.

* Before using, inspect the hoses and fittings on your propane grill for cracks and leaks. Spray soapy water on the connections and supply lines; if it bubbles, there's a leak. Turn off the tank, re-connect the lines, and check again to ensure a tight fit.

* Only open the propane tank a quarter to one-half turn. That is all the gas a barbecue needs to operate, and if you do encounter a problem, it will be quicker to shut off the gas.

* To avoid the build-up of explosive vapors, always open the lid of your propane barbecue before lighting. If your barbecue doesn't fire up the first time you try it, shut if off, and wait five minutes so the vapors can dissipate.

* Never leave your cooking unattended and keep children away from the barbecue.

* Never use gasoline to light charcoal briquettes.

* Never squirt lighter fluid on an open flame. The flame can follow the stream of lighter fluid back to the container in your hands and cause an explosive fire.

* Charcoal briquettes can remain warm enough to start a fire for several days. Wait before removing used charcoal briquettes from the barbecue. If you need to remove the briquettes before then, place them in a metal container away from combustibles or – using tongs – submerge briquettes in a pail of water.

Individuals residing in an apartment complex should check with their landlord before barbecuing. Landlords have the right to limit or prohibit the use of barbecues on patios or balconies.

Source: Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue

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