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Grill Safety 101: Dan’s Backyard BBQ Went Too Far (1/4)

By June 15th, 2025Blog

From Dan, Senior Damage Assessor at First Call Restoration

I’ve seen house fires started by lightning, cigarettes, even a squirrel chewing wires. But the one that really gets folks? The grill. Too close to the siding, a little grease flare-up, and bam—you’ve got melted vinyl and smoke curling into your attic insulation.

Last summer in Olathe, a family had their new grill parked right outside the sliding door. One flare-up later, their siding was melted and smoke had crept into the attic.

We ended up replacing windows, soffits, and about 16 feet of siding. All avoidable if the grill had been ten feet from the house like the fire code recommends.

Grill smart, folks. It’s cheaper to move your grill than rebuild your back wall so we’ve cooked up some grilling tips for this grilling season.

Grilling Fire Facts: What You Should Know

-July tops the list for grill fires at 15%, with June (14%), May (13%), and August (12%) close behind. -In about 1 out of every 5 fires, the grill hadn’t been cleaned, leaving grease and residue to ignite.-Over 25% of these fires started on patios, porches, or balconies. In some cases, flames jumped to exterior walls (8%) or even structural framing (3%).
-Gas grills were linked to nearly 9,300 residential fires annually, splitting almost evenly between structural and outdoor fires. The leading culprit? Leaks and breaks in gas lines—accounting for 6% of gas grill structure fires and 13% of outdoor gas grill incidents.
-From 2020 to 2024, an estimated 21,682 people per year landed in the ER due to grill-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Grill Smarter: Safety Reminders

-Inspect Your Propane Tank: Before firing up the grill, do a quick leak test each season to stay safe.

-Clean Regularly: Grease builds up fast. Scrape grates and empty grease trays to prevent flare-ups.
-Grill in the Clear: Set up your grill away from siding, deck railings, and overhangs.
-Open Before Lighting: Make sure your gas lid is up before ignition to avoid gas buildup.
-Keep Kids & Pets Clear: Designate a three-foot safety zone around the grill.
-Charcoal Grillers: Use only charcoal starter fluid and never add it to hot coals. Let ashes cool fully before tossing them in a metal can.

-Stay Put: Never walk away from a lit grill. Supervise the entire time it’s in use.Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Link: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/grilling

Final Thoughts

Grilling too close to your house can do more than ruin the siding, it can lead to hidden damage and costly repairs, especially in older homes.
If you’ve had a mishap or notice bubbling paint or moisture stains, call First Call Restoration KC. We’ll inspect the damage and help you get things back to safe, sound, and BBQ-ready.

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