BBQ Fire Safety Tips

Regardless of the type of grill, the grill must be positioned on a level surface and at a sufficient distance from combustible objects to prevent it from tipping over. Combustible objects include branches, bushes, garden decorations or furniture. At the same time, the grill should be placed in the lee, but not indoors or under gazebos, tents or umbrellas. These can easily catch fire from flying sparks from a charcoal grill and are a common fire hazard when grilling.

Indoor grilling also poses a poisoning hazard due to oxygen deprivation and the formation of carbon monoxide. In addition, a hot grill should never be moved or displaced. Children should only be at a sufficient distance from the grill, as it is often difficult for them to assess the danger.

Important: A barbecue must always be supervised! A cold beer is often part of the barbecue evening. Nevertheless, alcohol should only be consumed in moderation to maintain responsiveness and avoid reckless behavior.

Charcoal grill - Fire protection

A charcoal grill should only be lit with commercially available and approved grill lighters. The use of methylated spirits or gasoline as fire accelerants is extremely dangerous and not recommended. In the worst case, they lead to explosive ignition, a jet flame and deflagration. As a result, severe burns will occur to anyone in the vicinity of the grill at that time. If the charcoal ignites too slowly, use other barbecue igniters.

The use of liquid fire accelerants (such as methylated spirits) must be avoided at all costs. After a successful barbecue, it is important to extinguish the barbecue and the embers sufficiently and to let them cool down. Do not dispose of the charcoal until it has cooled down completely.

Important: Never pour hot embers into nature (such as lawns or bushes) or a trash can, as they can ignite flammable objects (such as branches or trash).

A charcoal grill on the balcony is not generally prohibited. However, it is not recommended due to the strong smoke development and increased fire hazard. For example, the temperature of a charcoal grill is difficult to regulate. In addition, an incipient fire is difficult to extinguish in a confined space, and a balcony offers many flammable objects (such as balcony floors made of wood, awnings or seat cushions). It is difficult to maintain sufficient distance between a grill and balcony furniture on a balcony. The less space for a charcoal grill on a balcony or patio, the greater the fire risk to the people grilling and the neighborhood.

Gas or electric grills offer an alternative for barbecuing on the balcony or terrace. However, it is important to note that these are not 100% safe and the fire safety rules for safe grilling must also be observed for gas or electric grills.