How to Put out a Propane Gas Grill Fire

Propane is one of the safest sources of home energy around – but like any fuel, you have to use it with care, and know what to do if an emergency arises inside or outside your Massachusetts home.

One of the more serious emergencies you may encounter as the owner of a propane barbecue is a grill fire. To avoid them – or to know how to react when faced with one –here are five things to remember.

• Think prevention – Leftover grease is the leading cause of grill fires – be sure to clean your grills before each use. Keep at least three feet of space around your grill, and place it several feet away from anything flammable – including your wooden deck (place it on a concrete slab instead). Never leave a grill unattended, especially with children and pets around.
• Remember what makes a fire – A good way to think about fire prevention when grilling is to remember that you always need three elements to create fire –heat, fuel, and oxygen. If you remove any one of those elements, it will put the fire out.
• Be prepared – Keep a fire extinguisher near the grill at all times, and make sure the person minding the grill knows where it is. Baking soda can also smother a fire, so keep box of it nearby. NEVER USE WATER TO PUT OUT A GREASE FIRE! Always have a phone charged and on-hand in case of emergency.
• Act quickly – If the fire is inside the grill or in the hose, turn off the gas knob on the tank; this will cut off the fuel supply to the fire (see #2 above). If you are unable to reach the knob, use the fire extinguisher to put out the fire and call 911 immediately; the fire may quickly move to the tank, which could be extremely hazardous. If the fire is in or at the tank, clear the area and call 911 immediately.

Grill safely this summer! If you have any questions about propane safety, or need a propane delivery for your built-in propane grill, our experts are always a phone call away.