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Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Facts & figures
- In 2002, gas and charcoal grills caused 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in or on home properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $30 million.
- The popularity of gas-fueled grills nearly tripled between 1982 and 1993 (up 193% from 9.4 million to 27.5 million).
- Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires.
- Gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 600 home structure fires and 3,200 home outdoor fires in 2002.
- Charcoal grills have a higher risk than gas grills of death due to fire or unvented carbon monoxide; most of these deaths do not involve fire.
- Charcoal-fueled or other solid-fueled grills caused an estimated 300 home structure fires and 300 home outdoor fires in 2002.
- Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home structure fires.
- Half of all gas grill and charcoal grill home structure fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.
- Gas fuel is the leading item first ignited for home outdoor gas grill fires.
Structural member or framing, wall coverings, exterior trim, and plants are the leading items first ignited in home structure or outdoor charcoal grill fires.
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