Summer Fire Safety Tips: Grills, Fire Pits & Dry Weather

Summer is here, and with it comes backyard BBQs and late-night fire pit gatherings. But as restoration experts, we know firsthand how quickly a fun summer evening can turn into a dangerous situation when fire safety isn’t top of mind.

At DAI Restore, we specialize in responding to fire and smoke damage to help families and businesses recover quickly. We’ve seen the preventable turn into catastrophic, fast. Here are some must-know summer fire safety tips to help you enjoy the season without putting your property at risk.

Grilling Safety: The #1 Fire Hazard in the Backyard

Whether you use a charcoal grill or a propane grill, they are one of the biggest culprits of summer fires.

Grill Safety to Know:

Keep it clear. Make sure your grill is at least 10 feet away from your home, garage, deck railings, or anything flammable.
Check for leaks. If you’re using propane, inspect the hose for leaks by applying soapy water. If bubbles form while the gas is on, turn it off immediately and get it repaired.
Never leave the grill unattended. This may seem like a harmless action, but even a quick trip inside can be long enough for something to go wrong.
Cool down grill properly. Charcoal grills should be allowed to cool completely before being emptied. Always dispose of ashes in a metal container.

Have a fire extinguisher. Always be sure to have a fire extinguisher close to the grilling area.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, July is the peak month for grill fires, with June right behind it in 2019-2023.
For Rhode Island natives, the Rhode Island Fire Marshal has a helpful resource to reference in accordance with grill and BBQ safety in our state.

Fire Pits & Propane Fire Tables

Fire pits are a summer staple, but they also come with risks, especially in dry conditions.

Safe fire pit practices:

Know the rules. Check your local ordinances. Some towns ban open fires during drought conditions or on high-risk days.
Create a barrier. Use a screen to prevent embers from escaping, and keep chairs, tents, or flammable décor away from the fire pit’s radius.
Never use gasoline or lighter fluid. While you might want to start your fire quicker, do not use gasoline or lighter fluid to start or reignite a fire. This can be extremely dangerous.
Extinguish it fully. Drench the ashes with water and stir until cold. Don’t walk away until the fire is truly out.

Propane fire table practices:
While these are safer than traditional fire pits, they still have safety precautions you should follow:

Store propane tanks upright, in a shaded and ventilated area.
Turn everything off and disconnect the tank when not in use.
Watch for hissing sounds or the smell of gas – this could be signs of a leak.

For more information about fire pit safety, please reference the U.S. Fire Administration website.

Dry Summer Weather = Brush Fire Risk

In drought conditions, it doesn’t take much to start an uncontrollable fire; a stray ember, a spark from a firework, or even a dropped cigarette can ignite dry grass or brush in seconds

Brush fire prevention tips:

Clear your property. Keep grass trimmed and remove dry leaves, dead branches, or anything flammable.
Create a defensible zone. Maintain at least a 30-foot buffer between brush and your home or building.
Avoid outdoor burning. Skip the burn barrel and consider composting or municipal yard waste pickup instead.
Be extra cautious on windy days. Even a small spark can travel quickly.

How DAI Restore Can Help

Accidents can happen, even when precautions are taken. If your home or business experiences fire or smoke damage, DAI Restore is here 24/7. Our team of certified technicians and project managers are here to assist in every way possible to assess, mitigate, and restore your space with precision and care.

Our process for fire and smoke mitigation looks like this:

Damage and Documentation Assessment
Securing the Property and Removing Debris
Demolition, Mitigation, Drying
Cleanup and Deodorization
Reconstruction

It’s important for the adults in the house to know and practice fire safety, but it’s equally as important to educate the kids of the house, as well. Teaching essential safety precautions will only help in the event of a fire.

For other essential fire and smoke prevention care tips, read our other blog here.

Know your local fire safety resources based on your town and state.