Grill the steaks — not the house

By Mike McCully

GUEST COLUMNIST

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the No. 1 cause of structure fires in the United States. While we typically think of kitchen fires when we think of cooking fires, today I'm going to speak to safety while grilling.

In a period from 2003-06, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills or barbecues each year, including an average of 2,900 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. These 7,900 fires caused an average of 10 civilian deaths, 120 reported injuries and $80 million in direct property damage each year. Of these 7,900 fires, 81 percent involved natural gas or propane grilles.

For those readers that live in apartments, condos or any other multiple occupancy residential dwellings, the 2006 International Fire Code prohibits grilling devices on combustible balconies, decks or within 10 feet of combustible construction. For people who fall under these regulations, I recommend a common or shared barbecue that is maintained by your association in a park or common area.

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