As grilling season kicks off this summer, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is sharing tips and resources for safe outdoor grilling.

July is the peak month for home grilling fires, followed by June, May, and August. Between 2020 and 2024, U.S. fire departments responded to an annual average of 12,141 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues, including 6,110 structure fires and 6,031 outside or unclassified fires, according to NFPA data.

“Outdoor grilling is a popular way to cook during the warmer months, but it does present the risk of fire and burns,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “We want to help ensure that the grilling season remains a safe one for everybody.”

NFPA’s tips include:

• Check the gas tank for leaks before use
• Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and dip trays
• Place the grill far from your home, deck railings, eaves, or overhanging branches
• Open the lid before lighting a gas grill
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area
• If you use starter fluid with charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid
• Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire once it’s been lit
• Let coals cool completely before disposing them in a metal container
• Never leave a grill unattended when in use.

For more information, visit NFPA’s grilling safety page tips online, which include a podcast episode, blog post on fire code grill requirements, and a video on lesser-known grilling safety tips.