Avoid Insurance Claims: Grilling Accidents Cause Nearly 10,000 Fires Annually
Few things say summer like firing up the grill. But with that sizzle comes a surprising amount of risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grill-related fires spike during summer months.
July accounts for 15% of all grill fires, followed closely by June (14%), May (13%), and August (12%).
Grilling accidents cause an average of $37 million in property damage per year. On top of home damage, grill-related injuries send roughly 21,682 people to the emergency room every year.
These incidents are often the result of malfunctioning equipment, which homeowners can address through routine checks or maintenance. Below, we’ll walk through straightforward, actionable steps to help reduce your risk of grill-related fires, helping safeguard your home and avoid preventable fire insurance claims.
Common causes of grilling accidents
From poor maintenance to unsafe behavior, preventable issues often contribute to grill-related accidents. Here's a breakdown of the most common causes and how they impact home safety.
Improper cleaning practices and maintenance
Roughly one-fifth (20%) of home grill structure fires involve grills that owners didn't properly clean or maintain, according to the NFPA. Over time, residue from previous cookouts can collect in the grill’s trays and burners, creating a fire hazard when temperatures rise.
How you clean your grill is just as important. Traditional wire grill brushes have metal bristles that can break off during use, stick to cooking surfaces, and end up in food. If swallowed, these bristles could cause serious internal injuries. Opt for safer, bristle-free tools like grill stones or nylon scrubbers.
Faulty grilling equipment and bad grill placement
Faulty equipment like cracked hoses or loose gas connections can pose serious risks. This is especially true with gas grills, where undetected leaks could ignite suddenly or, in extreme cases, cause propane tanks to explode.
Grill placement and equipment issues are also key contributors to accidents. Setting up your grill too close to exterior walls, deck railings, or overhanging structures can turn a small flare-up into a major home fire in seconds. Instead, set up a grill at least 10 feet from the home or other flammable structures.
Irresponsible or impaired use
Reckless use can endanger even the most properly placed and maintained grill. How homeowners and guests use the grill matters just as much as the setup.
According to ValuePenguin, 30% of grill owners or renters admit to grilling while intoxicated. Easily impaired judgment can lead to missed warning signs or delayed reactions during a flare-up.
Grill safety tips to help prevent housefires
With a few simple habits, homeowners can dramatically lower their risk of grill-related fires. Consider these maintenance tips to help keep your grill in safe working condition all season long:
- Review your home insurance coverage to ensure your policy offers adequate protection. Check out typical home insurance coverage to understand any potential limitations.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or other fire-safety equipment nearby in case of a fire. Make sure you know how to use these tools before you need them.
- Never leave a grill unattended while using it. Fires only take seconds to ignite.
- Regularly clean your entire grill, not just the grates. Proper cleaning can help reduce the risk of flare-ups and keep your equipment working more efficiently.
- Set up your grill on a flat, open surface that’s at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, or any flammable structures.
- Carefully inspect your grill before each use. Look for worn parts, test for leaks using soapy water on hose connections, and replace any damaged components right away.
- Never let children grill unsupervised. The NFPA recommends keeping kids and pets at least three feet away from grills while they’re in use.
- When grilling, wear clothing that won’t easily ignite. Avoid loose sleeves or billowing fabric.
- Be cautious when using fire starters, like charcoal starter fluid. Only use the proper solutions designed for your grill type, avoiding charcoal fluid or other flammable liquids.
What to do if a grill fire damages your home
If a grill fire damages your home, acting quickly and calmly can make a big difference in limiting further damage and speeding up the recovery process.
Here are a few key steps to take in the event of a grill fire:
- Call emergency services immediately: Even if the fire seems manageable, it’s important to have professionals assess the situation. Fires can spread quickly and may cause hidden damage.
- Ensure everyone's safety: Get people away from the area and ensure no one re-enters the space until it’s declared safe.
- Stop the spread—safely: If it’s safe, use a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires. Never use water, as it can make grease fires worse.
- Document the damage: Once the fire is out, take detailed photos and videos of all affected areas. Include both exterior and interior damage.
- Review your coverage: Nearly 4 in 10 grill owners say they don’t know whether their policy covers fire damage. If you're unsure what your policy includes, take a moment to understand the different types of homeowners insurance and when it typically applies.
- Contact your insurance provider: Report the incident and quickly file your home insurance claim. Having any related documentation ready will help streamline the process.
Identifying the safest grill type for your home
Different types of grills come with their own set of risks, and understanding these can help you make a smarter, safer choice for your home.
Higher risk: Gas grills
The NFPA identified gas grills as the most frequent cause of grill-related fires, accounting for an average of 9,287 home fires annually. This includes 4,682 structure fires and 4,605 outdoor fires each year. Leaks or breaks in gas lines, hoses, or connections are often the culprit, making regular inspection essential.
If you choose a gas grill, check for leaks, store propane tanks properly, and keep the grill clean and well-maintained.
Medium risk: Charcoal grills
Charcoal grills are another homeowner favorite, especially among cooks who love the smoky flavor. But they come with their own set of hazards. These grills require lighting with matches or starter fluid and stay hot long after cooking ends, increasing the risk of accidental burns or flare-ups.
Improper ash disposal is a common cause of unintended fires, especially if still-warm coals are tossed too soon.
Let the ashes in a charcoal grill cool completely and dispose of them in a metal container.
Lower risk: Electric grills
Electric grills are generally considered the lower-risk option. They don’t involve open flames or combustible fuel, making them a potentially smart choice for those in apartments, condos, or areas with strict fire codes. However, they’re not completely risk-free—frayed cords, overloaded outlets, or placing them near flammable materials can still lead to trouble. Like any appliance, they require attention and care.
Plugging an electric grill directly into a grounded outlet—not an extension cord—can potentially decrease the risk of fire.
Tips to find the right grill for your home
The best grill for your home will fit your space, match your comfort level, and reduce fire risks based on how and where you plan to use it.
As you compare the options above, keep these key considerations in mind:
- Space and environment: Electric grills are good options for small outdoor spaces, especially where open flames are restricted. Charcoal and gas grills require more ventilation and should be farther from structures and overhangs.
- Safety comfort level: Choose a grill you feel confident operating and maintaining. Gas grills require more frequent inspection and upkeep, while electric models are generally lower maintenance.
- Insurance coverage: Review your homeowners insurance to understand what's covered if a grill-related fire occurs. Some policies may have exclusions or limits, so it’s important to check those details.
- Local regulations: Some cities, condos, and HOAs restrict charcoal or gas grills. Always check your local rules before buying a grill.
- Portability and storage: Smaller electric or compact gas grills may be better if you plan to move the grill frequently or have limited storage space.
Take grill safety seriously and know your coverage options
Are you protected this summer? Standard home insurance policies generally include dwelling, personal property, and personal liability coverage for house fires.
If a grill accident sparks a blaze, dwelling coverage could help pay for damage to your home’s structure, while personal property coverage could help replace damaged belongings.
Download the safe grilling checklist
The best claim is the one that never happens in the first place. Download our safety checklist below to learn more about fire damage risk factors and to help you grill more safely this summer.
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