As temperatures rise and the summer holidays are upon us, many people are moving from cooking indoors to outdoor grilling. Despite their popularity, grills can create serious fire hazards, whether they're due to inexperienced cooks or grill equipment malfunctions. 

Unfortunately, fire restoration is often necessary to fix the damage a grilling fire can cause to a house and its contents. The professionals at Swift Restoration and Remodeling offer these fire safety tips to reduce the risk of accidental fires from grilling.

Grilling Safety Tips

Grills come in many varieties, like gas, charcoal, and electric. Though some don't produce flames, all grills generate heat as high as 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Grilling equipment and byproducts can also create dangerous conditions that could trigger a fire, explosion, or injury. 

Avoid grilling mishaps and the need for fire restoration by following these grilling and fire safety tips. 

• Set Up the Grill in the Right Location:  Sometimes, people put their grills too close to flammable structures, like their homes, trees, sheds, or garages. It's safest to grill outdoors, away from buildings, overhanging structures, and deck rails. 
• Clean the Grill After Every Use: The grill's grate and lid will have grease and food particles that could ignite. 
• Only Use Charcoal-Based Starter Fluid for Charcoal Grills: Most charcoal for grilling needs starter fluid to create flames. Only apply it to cold coals to avoid creating an uncontrolled fire.
• Empty Ashes After They Cool: Don't dump hot ashes from the grill. Instead, wait for the ashes to cool, then dump them. Always put charcoal ashes on garden soil or in a metal bin to prevent a fire.
• Inspect the Gas Line of Propane Grills Often: If using a gas grill, regularly inspect its gas line and tank fittings to check for damage and propane leaks. An easy way to check for leaks is to cover the lines with soapy water. Gas is leaking if bubbles form. 
• Don't Use Gasoline or Lighter Fluid on Fire Pits: Never start the fire using lighter fluid or gasoline when grilling over a fire pit. Those liquids are highly flammable and can create an uncontrolled fire. Make a contained fire using dry wood as kindling instead.
• Store Extra Propane Safely: When storing an extra propane tank for the grill, always leave it upright in a clear space outside to reduce fire risks. Never leave it indoors in case of a gas leak and explosion. 
• Don't Neglect Grills, Fire Pits, or Torches After Igniting Them: Don't walk away from lit grills, pits, or torches and leave them unattended. Also, be aware of children in the area to avoid accidents. 

The Fire Damage Restoration Process by Qualified Professionals

A grilling mishap can cause substantial property damage to a home. Not only will flames burn through construction materials and personal belongings or cause injuries, but the fire can also create smoke damage by leaving traces of toxic soot in areas that the fire did not directly touch.

Fire damage restoration professionals use an effective process to bring a property with fire damage back to its original state. These highly trained restoration experts have the equipment and expertise to go above and beyond removing burnt materials from a building. 

During a fire damage situation, restoration professionals will use these steps during their process:

• Fire Damage Inspection: The restoration team will assess the scope of the fire damage in every affected room. 
• Board-Up and Roof Tarping: Severe fires can destroy siding and roofing, leaving gaping holes in a building. If necessary, the technicians will cover exposed surfaces. 
• Water Removal and Cleanup: Firefighting often includes water, which can create another type of damage. Full-service restoration companies will remove the water and dry the property before proceeding with the restoration efforts.
• Removal of Fire Smoke and Soot: Technicians use special equipment, cleaners, and techniques to eliminate soot from all salvageable surfaces and smoke odors from the air.
• Cleaning and Sanitation: The property will undergo a thorough cleaning and disinfecting process. 
• Restoration: The team will make minor repairs or provide full construction services to restore the property.



Turn to Swift Restoration and Remodeling for Help

Swift Restoration and Remodeling is a top-rated damage restoration company serving Ogden, UT and the surrounding areas. The locally-owned and operated company offers comprehensive services, like fire restoration, mold removal, water damage restoration, biohazard cleanup, and storm cleanup. Their crew of IICRC-certified technicians provides individualized restoration services for homes and businesses with outstanding customer care. 

Swift Restoration and Remodeling has 24/7 emergency availability, so call (385) 412-8633 to request a free quote, or submit a request via our online form.