Crime & Safety

Fire District Hands Out a Few Barbecue Safety Tips

Staying away from buildings and brush, keeping charcoal dry and putting hot ash in a metal container are a few of the tips.

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is reminding people to take a few precautions when using barbecue grills this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer.

A few safety tips that people might have forgotten include placing grills at least 15 feet from homes or buildings and at least 10 feet from dry grass, weeds or brush, Fire Marshal Lewis Broschard said.

Charcoal should be kept dry, since it can ignite spontaneously if it gets wet.

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Spare propane bottles should be stored outside away from living spaces.

Hot ashes should be placed in metal containers, never in plastic or paper containers.

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People should use electrical starters approved by Underwriters Laboratories instead of lighter fluid.

People with gas grills should keep the top open while lighting them and until they are sure the grill is lit. If the grill doesn't start after two or three attempts, turn off the gas and let the accumulated gas dissipate before trying again.

People should not operate grills on balconies.

Children and pets should be kept away from grills while they are hot.

— Bay City News


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