Whittel & Melton’s Florida Injury Lawyers want to ensure that everyone uses grills safely this holiday weekend and throughout the rest of the summer. Grill fires are most common in July, with June, May, and August following closely behind.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 64% of American homes have at least one outdoor grill, smoker, or barbecue. Grills that run on gas cause more fires than those that run on charcoal. Grills are the primary cause of 10,200 home fires annually. Fire departments across America responded to 11,421 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues on average between 2017 and 2021; these included 5,763 building fires and 5,659 outdoor fires. Approximately one-fifth, or 20%, of reported grilling fires were caused by a dirty grill. More than 25% of grill building fires originated from an open porch or balcony outside. From 2017-2021, grill-related injuries sent 22,155 patients to ERs annually on average. Thermal burns, which include burns from fire and contact with hot objects, accounted for nearly half (10,342 or 47%) of the injuries.
When grilling hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, chicken, or tofu, poblano peppers, or whatever your heart desires this 4th of July, please remember to keep your eye on your grill. It can be easy to get distracted when you have company over, but you do not want a burn injury or fire to ruin your good time.