Grill fires: what you need to know

Did you know? Don’t try turning off the tank or even the lid on the grill. You risk getting burned or hurt.

Call 9-1-1, keep your distance from the grill and wait for the fire department to arrive.

Also, it’s a mistake to think that propane tanks explode easily. There’s a risk of explosion when they are in a fire or are heated to extreme temperatures, for instance, if inside a garden shed that catches fire.

Better safe than sorry…a few tips to avoiding grill fires!

• Never use a grill indoors.
• Do not use your grill under a roof or awning.
• Install your grill a few metres from your house, at least 1 metre (3 feet) from a structure or wall.
• Test the hose for leaks when you hook up a tank to your grill. A leak can occur due to defective or worn connections or if the hose is punctured. Rubber hoses can dry and crack over time. All it takes to test for leaks is some soapy water and a few minutes. Turn on the propane tank and soak the hose with soapy water. If bubbles appear, then you know it’s time to replace the hose.
• Remember these steps: :
  • To start, turn everything on in the following order: open the lid, turn on the gas, turn on one of the control knobs and press the start button (never more than twice!).
  • To shut the grill off: turn off the gas, then the control knobs once the flame is out.

Annie Marmen
Media and prevention officer for Quebec City’s fire protection service

Ministère de la Sécurité publique