The True Cost of Your Summer Barbecue: How Backyard Grills Inflict Costly Property Damage

Over Memorial Day, a gas grill caused severe damage to a home in Duson, LA.

According to local authorities, after checking the inside of the home and attic, firefighters were able to determine that the gas line from the grill to the propane bottle ruptured and caused the fire.

The incident serves as an all too important reminder of the importance of grill safety.

"The cases I see most often involve fires that started small and escalated before anyone could intervene. Grease fires, propane leaks, and grills positioned too close to structures are the most common culprits, and in many cases, they're preventable," says Aidan Carickhoff, partner and trial lawyer at Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky in Philadelphia.

By knowing what causes grill-related fires and what you can do to avoid them at home, you can enjoy greater peace of mind during your cookouts in the warmer months ahead.

Potential dangers of summer grilling 

“As a homeowner, you need to focus on grease fires. They can climb and ignite your deck framing, vinyl siding, or anything overhanging, like leaves or branches,” says Edward Susolik, CEO and managing partner of law firm Callahan & Blaine PC in Irvine, CA.

For this reason, if you have an exterior balcony or open porch, you should be particularly careful, as this is not a safe spot for grilling.

“About a quarter of all home fires caused by grills start in these areas, causing hundreds of millions of dollars of damage a year nationwide,” Susolik explains.

Susolik reinforces the fact that when you place these grills in a way that breaks fire codes or goes against manufacturer specs, the insurer is likely to deny the claim. 

“Real financial damage happens right there where you learn all too late that your grill wasn't far enough or it wasn't safe to fire it up on the deck,” adds Susolik.

How to practice grilling safety 

These tips can help you reduce the risk of fires and ensure a safe summer grilling season.

Be mindful of grill placement

When you're going to have a backyard barbecue, move the grill at least 10 feet away from anything that could ignite. 

“Get a measuring tape if you have to, because having it too close to the side of your home, the fence, the deck railing, or any branches overhead leaves you vulnerable to the effects of radiant heat and embers that can ignite anything flammable nearby,” Susolik says.

Clean grease traps

Grease traps are another issue, and many homeowners wait until the end of the season before they stow the grill away to clean it. That shouldn't happen. 

“You need to be cleaning your grill regularly,” Susolik explains. 

To do so, remove the grease tray and scrape out the buildup with a scraper or paper towel. Then, wash it with hot soapy water and let it dry completely.

Pay attention to local fire and HOA codes 

If you’re unsure of what they are, ask. 

“Failing to follow these codes can come back to haunt you if a fire breaks out, putting you on the hook for the damage by being too close,” says Susolik.

What to do if a fire flares up

At the end of the day, nothing is more important than lives.

If a flame gets out of control and it’s safe to do so, close the barbecue lid to cut off the air supply immediately. Then, direct everyone away from the grill as soon as possible.

And, put the hose away as water can make things worse. 

“Once everyone has left the scene, call 911 right away. The faster you do, the more likely you are to minimize the damage,” says Susolik.

After the fire is out, take photos that show where the grill was and how far it was from your home or fence, as well as the patterns from the burns. Then, file a claim with your home insurance company. 

“If you did all things right, then these photos show you took the right precautions and make it harder for the insurer to argue that you caused a fire by violating code,” Susolik adds.

Legalities of grill-related fires

Where you live will determine the legal implications of your grill catching on fire and spreading to your neighbor's house. 

In California, for example, you can be held personally liable for the damage you cause to their property because you did something negligent.

“The laws here look at where you had the grill, whether you took care of that grill, and whether you were following the codes. Insurance looks at this too and may use it as a solid reason to approve or deny a claim,” says Susolik.

Carickhoff reinforces the importance of facts during fire and burn injury cases. 

“When a grill fire damages property or injures someone, one of the first questions has to do with whether the homeowner followed basic safety practices. Was there enough clearance between the grill and the structure? Was the grill used under a covered porch,” Carickhoff explains.

Those facts can become very important when liability is evaluated and can ultimately help or hurt your case.