For many, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer.
To celebrate, families and friends across Illinois will be dusting their grills off for the first time this year.
This kickoff to grill season typically comes with an unfortunate rising in grill fires, however. The National Fire Protection Association reported that, between 2020 and 2024, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 12,141 homefires per year involving grills, hibachis or barbecues.
To help Illinois residents grill safely, we asked an NFPA spokesperson about the frequency of grill fires and how to best avoid them. Here’s what they said.
When are most grill fires started?
Based on averages between 2020 and 2024, the spokesperson said July is the peak month for grill fires, with roughly 15% of fires occurring throughout the month.
June is a close second (15%), followed by May (13%) and August (11%).
What are common causes of grill fires?
Roughly one-fifth of these fires (20%) involved grills that had not been cleaned, according to the spokesperson.
Nearly one-quarter of fires started on exterior balconies or open porches, with 8% beginning with an outside wall catching fire and another 3% beginning with some type of structural member or frame.
Five percent of outside or unclassified grill fires occurred in a lawn, field or open area.
Which type of grill is involved in most fires?
The spokesperson said gas grills were involved in an average of 9,235 home fires per year, including 4,662 structure fires and 4,573 outdoor fires annually.
The primary issue with gas grills proved to be leaks and breaks, accounting for 6% of gas grill structure fires and 13% of outside gas grill fires.
How often do people go to the emergency room with grill-related injuries?
Citing 2020-24 data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the spokesperson said an average of 21,682 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.
Tips for safe grilling
The spokesperson recommends the following safety tips for those choosing to grill this Memorial Day weekend:
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Grilling this Memorial Day? Avoid grill fires with these safety tips
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
