Summer grilling is one of life's simple pleasures. With a few smart habits, it stays that way. Grill fires are preventable in almost every case — they happen when shortcuts are taken, when grills are placed too close to structures, or when they're left unattended. Here's a complete rundown of safe grilling practices for the season.
Before You Light Up
Keep your grill at least 10 feet from any building, fence, overhang, or wooden structure. This is both NFPA guidance and a requirement of our property policy. Closer than 10 feet puts siding, eaves, and overhangs at risk from radiant heat and embers.
Keep a Type ABC fire extinguisher within reach before you start grilling. A bucket of sand also works for charcoal flare-ups. Know how to use it — the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
For propane and natural gas grills, check hoses and connections for cracks or damage before each use. Apply soapy water to connections and watch for bubbles — bubbling means a gas leak. Never light a grill with a suspected leak.
Accumulated grease in the drip tray is the number one cause of grill fires. Clean it after every few uses, and always check it before grilling. A grease fire in the tray can be difficult to control and can ignite nearby surfaces.
While You're Grilling
- Never leave the grill unattended. A flare-up can spread in seconds. If you need to step away, turn the burners to low or have someone take over watching it.
- Keep a 3-foot zone around the grill. Children and pets should stay clear of the grill area — both to avoid burns and to prevent accidental bumps that could tip the grill.
- Open the lid before lighting a gas grill. Opening the lid lets gas disperse before ignition. Lighting with the lid closed can cause a gas buildup that ignites explosively when you open it.
- Don't use lighter fluid on a lit charcoal grill. Squirting lighter fluid onto lit or warm coals can cause a dangerous flare-up. If the coals aren't catching, use a chimney starter with newspaper — it's safer and more effective.
- Watch for overhead hazards. Tree branches, umbrella fabric, and building overhangs above a grill can all ignite from heat and embers. Clear the area before lighting.
Gas Grill Specifics
- Always open the lid before turning on the gas and igniting
- If the igniter doesn't work, turn off the gas, wait 5 minutes for gas to dissipate, then try again or use a long lighter through the side
- Turn off the gas at the tank when you're done — not just the burner controls
- Never store propane tanks inside your unit, garage, or any enclosed space
- Have your propane tank inspected and replaced if it shows rust or damage
Charcoal Grill Specifics
Charcoal grills require special care before and after use:
- Use a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid — it's more reliable and safer
- Never use charcoal indoors or in a garage — charcoal produces carbon monoxide even after the flames are out
- Disposing of ash is the step most often skipped incorrectly: hot coals and ash look identical to cooled ash. Always treat ash as hot until proven otherwise
After grilling, close all vents and the lid to starve the coals of oxygen. Allow the grill to cool with the lid closed for a minimum of 48 hours before disposing of ash. To speed cooling, you can douse coals carefully with water — do this slowly, as steam burns. Dispose of cooled ash in a metal container (never cardboard or plastic). Never put ash in regular trash while it might still be warm.
After You're Done
- Clean the grates while they're still warm — it's much easier
- Empty and clean the grease drip tray
- Cover the grill when cooled to protect it from weather
- For gas grills, shut off the tank valve and store the tank outside in an upright position, away from heat sources
Grilling rules vary by property. If you're not sure whether grilling is permitted at your unit, in what areas, or with what type of grill, please contact us before the season starts. We'd rather clarify things in advance than deal with a preventable incident or policy violation after the fact.
Safe grilling habits protect you, your neighbors, and our shared community. Have a great season, stay safe, and enjoy every cookout.