Fire Marshal offers fire safety tips for outdoor cooking

The weather has been exceptionally nice and the time and season for outdoor cooking and grilling has begun.

Belmar Fire Marshal John Rizzitello, in conjunction with the United States Fire Administration, would like to take this time to remind everyone how to be fire safe when cooking and grilling outdoors.

Annually, fire departments across the nation respond to an estimated 7,500 grill-related fire incidents; resulting in nearly 5,000 injuries and approximately $27 million in property damages. There are many common sense, yet mostly overlooked, fire safety tips to remember.

• If a new grill has been purchased this year, be sure to read and understand the manufacturer’s guidelines prior to using the unit for the first time. For those using a grill from the previous season, be sure to check the unit out thoroughly and be sure all parts are intact, cleaned and working prior to first use.

• Before using a new gas grill or starting up one from a previous season, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes — where the air and gas mix — are not kinked, blocked or broke. Spiders like to make their homes inside of these areas causing blockages and squirrels like to snack on these areas, causing breaks.

• If using propane, be sure to have the tank filled or swapped by a certified LPG vendor.

• Be sure the propane or gas connection is secured, as well as the tank, prior to using the unit.

• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking. If clothing catches fire — stop, drop to the ground and roll, covering your face and eyes. Running will only fan the flames and increase your chance of severe injury.

• When using a charcoal or wood burning grill, be careful when using lighter fluid. Use extreme caution when adding fluid to an already lit fire as the flame can flash back up into the container and explode.

• Supervise and keep children safely away from all outdoor grills. Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately.

• Dispose of hot coals properly — douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

• Never grill in enclosed or covered areas, and keep the grill at least 5 to 7 feet away from any combustible item, including a house, garage and shed.

• Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand and become familiar with the proper use prior to operating the grill.

• In addition to the above, become familiar with any state and local codes which may govern the use and location of a grill.

The New Jersey State Uniform Fire Code prohibits the use and storage of charcoal, wood burning and LPG [propane] cooking devices and outdoor fireplaces in or on any porch, deck, balcony, or within five feet of any combustible construction. Exceptions are only detached one and two-family dwellings.

These devices are prohibited in all multi-family dwellings with three living units or more, as well as apartment complexes and condominiums.

For any questions or doubts as to the use and placement of a grill or other outside cooking device or fireplace, please contact Fire Marshal John Rizzitello at 732-681-3700 ext. 235, or by e-mail at firemarshal@boro.belmar.nj.us.

More Belmar news, plus full coverage of southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, can be found at starnewsgroup.com.

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