How to Prevent & Put Out a Grill On Fire

As soon as the weather warms up, people all over the country pull out their grills and get ready for some serious cookouts. Lighting the grill on fire is a favorite activity for many, and recipes for delicious grilled food abound during the season. But what happens when there is an uncontrolled fire in grill?

The idea of a grill fire might not seem like the most pressing issue. After all, aren’t grills made to withstand fire? The problem is that even when grills can safely handle a fire, the area around them typically can’t. Depending upon the type of grill in question, fires can quickly become life-threatening and turn into a house fire. Let’s take a look at how to put a grill fire out!

What are the Different Types of Grills?

Not all grills are created equal. Gas grills are often connected to a home’s natural gas supply and draws upon it when it is lighted. This makes them a fan favorite for people who like a no-fuss option that allows them to simply turn the gas on and start grilling. Gas leaks can pose fire risks, but it is possible to monitor gas levels in order to avoid them.

Propane grills, on the other hand, require liquid propane to work. This produces a hotter flame, but also an added danger should a fire ignite. Propane can actually explode if its container becomes too hot, which means that propane fires could turn life-threatening quite quickly.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of fire damage as well as to smother one once it begins.

Common Causes of Grill Fires

Grilling is a beloved pastime enjoyed by many throughout the summer months, but it’s important to remember those flames can be dangerous. Common causes of grill fires include:

• leaving the lid open while cooking.
• using combustible liquids like gas and lighter fluid that don’t completely evaporate when lit.
• overcooked grease.

How to Stop a Grill Fire

What do you do if your grill catches on fire? It is imperative that BBQ chefs understand the risks as well as how to put out a grill fire should one erupt.

The first thing you should do when grilling, even before you put the meat on, is make sure that you have a fire extinguisher within easy reach. You will also want gloves and sand, baking soda, or kosher salt.

Once a fire has started, quickly assess the situation. Can you safely reach the grill knobs? If so, turn off the burners and either remove the food and try to save it or simply use the fire extinguisher or, use sand, baking soda, or salt to smother the flames.

Close the grill lid along with grill vents to help cut off the fire’s oxygen flow.

Note that if you use a propane grill and the tank catches on fire (or is near flame), leave the area immediately while calling the fire department. You can also use a fire extinguisher if you have one handy, but you should still leave the area and reach out to the professionals. Remember that the fire extinguisher will likely ruin your grill, so if you have other options, try them out first.

How to Put out a Grease Fire on a Grill

Never use water on a grease fire! This will only make the situation worse and might spread the burning oil. Smother the fire instead, and be prepared to put in some times and effort to get rid of the smell of burning oil.

Are you ready to get outside and start grilling? Keep our tips in mind and make sure you maintain your grill to help lower your chances of starting a fire. And if you need help with cleanup, reach out to our professionals for help!

Can you Use a Grill After it Catches Fire?

After a grill catches fire, it’s natural to assume that it is no longer safe to use – however, this may not be the case. The extent of damage inflicted on a gas or charcoal grill after an accidental fire will largely depend on how quickly the incident was dealt with and how bad the blaze was in the first place. If it’s only been a small flare-up, then assuming everything looks OK visually, there should be no reason why you can’t continue using your grill providing all safety measures are carefully followed.

It’s best practice to check for any potential damage as if left unnoticed, this could lead to more serious issues down the line. Additionally, you should always make sure your grill is clean before igniting it – this includes ensuring that any food residue from previous cooking sessions has been effectively removed as this is often where flare-ups tend to originate from in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a grill after a grease fire?

You can still use your grill after a grease fire, as long as there has been no damage to the grill itself. Before using it again you will have to properly clean it, but first make sure there are no remaining flames!

Can you put water on a grill fire?

Putting water on a grill fire is not recommended as it can create a messy and potentially dangerous situation. Hot coals, oil, or grease on the grill can easily cause an explosion if water gets in contact with them. Water will also cool down cooking surfaces quickly and make it difficult to evenly cook dinner.

How to put out a propane grill fire?

When you notice smoke coming out of your grill’s burners, turn off the flame immediately and smother it with baking soda or sand. Do not use water; this will only fan the fire further! Once done preventing any potential harm, close all vents tightly before venting away excess gas fumes and starving the flame.