The Connecticut Fire Marshals Association cautions that while there will likely be fewer gatherings with family and friends this Memorial Day, May 25, in response to COVID-19, many observances of the holiday this year will likely continue to involve outdoor grilling. Plus, as more people continue to cook at home in the warmer months ahead, many of them will turn to their outdoor grills to prepare and enjoy meals. These factors contribute to an increased risk of home grilling fires. In response, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding everyone to follow basic grilling safety precautions over Memorial Day weekend and beyond.

According to NFPA data, cooking equipment is the leading cause of U.S. home fires overall, annually contributing to nearly half (49 percent) of all home fires. NFPA estimates show that between 2014 and 2018, an annual average of 10,600 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues, which resulted in ten civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries, and $149 million in direct property damage. Gas grills were involved in an average of 8,900 home fires per year, including 3,900 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires annually. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills.

July is the peak month for grilling fires, followed by June, May, and August.

NFPA offers these tips and recommendations for enjoying a fire-safe grilling season:

*For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use.

*Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat build-up from the grills and in trays below the grill.

*Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

*Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

*Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.

*If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

*Never leave your grill unattended when in use.

Fireworks

The Newtown Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following information on the type of fireworks permitted to be used in Connecticut.

Per Public Act 06-177 Effective June 9, 2006, the only types of fireworks that can be purchased and used by Connecticut residents are Sparklers & Fountains. Sparklers and fountains are defined as “any sparkling device of not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item.” These fireworks can only give a shower of sparks; they cannot explode and must be non-aerial. Only persons 16 years of age or older can purchase and use sparklers and fountains.

Always use care and safe measures when handling these types of “Legal” fireworks and remember these legal sparklers burn at a very high temperature; the wire reaches 1100 degrees.