Are you ready for some grillin’?

  • Published
  • Travis Fire Prevention Office
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Base residents are very familiar with the Fire Department's push to prevent unattended cooking fires and promote total fire safety. These types of fires are the number one cause of home fires and fire injuries in the U.S. However, we tend to forget that unattended cooking doesn't always occur in the kitchen. 

Here are some good tips to follow before and after you grill. These important steps will help you to have an enjoyable barbecuing experience, and keep Travis Team fire-safe throughout the long, hot summer. 

First, maintain a minimum of 10 to 25 feet from the house, 25 feet from a structure, shrubs and bushes. Never place barbecue grills under covered porches, overhangs or carports. 

Open concrete patios are the recommended spot for your cooking appliance. Also make sure you have some kind of metal covering under your grill to keep any embers or hot grease from catching fire. 

--  Inspect your grill before each use to ensure it is in good working order and clean. If using a charcoal grill, make sure to inspect the bottom for any cracks or loose welds. If using a gas grill, make sure your gas cylinder is in good condition with no severe rust spots or dents, especially around the welded seems or valve assembly. In addition, make sure you have the right regulator for the right bottle and grill. This will mitigate any potential explosions.

-- Never leave the grill unattended. This ensures total control of your cooking. Make sure you have a way to extinguish your grill in case of flare ups or fire. Remember, if you can stop the fire in the earliest stage, you may prevent injuries and an out-of-control fire. Never use water on hot grease. 

--  Damp charcoal can cause spontaneous combustion resulting in fire. Store charcoal in an area that will protect it from moisture and dampness. 

--  Use only approved charcoal lighter fluid and never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start your grill. Before lighting the charcoal, remove the starter fluid from the area and never add lighter fluid to a hot grill. 

--  After using a gas grill, completely turn off the propane tank valve, and store the gas cylinder outside, as far away from any buildings as possible. Never store spare gas cylinders on or near the gas grill.

-- Finally, remember that charcoal can actually remain hot for several days after ignition. Place hot charcoal in a metal bucket (i.e., five-gallon can) and thoroughly soak with water. After letting them sit for a day or so, they can safely be thrown away in an approved trash receptacle. 

--  If you are in new base housing, there are several approved receptacles designed for exposing of hot and used charcoal. 

-- If repairs are needed, always follow the manufacturer's operating instructions to your particular grill.

The breezy conditions at Travis have been a factor in several incidents in the past contributing to injuries and property loss. Make sure the appliances used are protected as best as possible to prevent accidental knock-over by the wind. 

Finally, purchasing a renters insurance policy is one of the best values around. Fire strikes anytime and anywhere and leaves nothing untouched. Renters insurance cannot replace the lost memories or cherished possessions, but it can help relieve the tremendous burden of rebuilding your life. 

The Fire Department's number-one goal is to make sure we have zero injuries and zero property damage or loss. We wish everyone here at Team Travis has a safe and most enjoyable time cooking in the great outdoors. If you have any questions about fire safety, don't hesitate to call the Fire Prevention office at 424-3683, to talk to one of our inspectors.