Report: NFPA's
"Home Grill Fires” (PDF, 1 MB)
Author: Marty Ahrens
Issued: April 2016
This report examines causes and circumstances of home grill fires that were reported to local fire departments in the U.S., including structure fires and outside or unclassified grill fires that occurred on home properties. Trends, fire causes and fire circumstances are shown for structure fires, and outside or unclassified fires for all grills, for gas grills, and for solid-fueled or charcoal grills. Grill-related burns, including burns caused by contact with hot grills or grill contents, are also discussed.
Report highlights
- In 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year. This includes structure fires and outside or unclassified fires on home properties.
- These 8,900 fires caused annual averages of 10 civilian deaths, 160 reported civilian injuries, and $118 million in direct property damage. Almost all the losses resulted from structure fires.
- Five out of six (83%) grills involved in home fires were fueled by gas while 13% used charcoal or other solid fuel.
- The leading causes of grill fires were a failure to clean, having the grill too close to something that could catch fire and leaving the grill unattended.
- A leak or break was the leading cause for outside or unclassified grill fires. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills.
