Stay Fire Safe: Follow These Grilling Safety Tips

Published on April 16, 2025

A woman cooks meat on a charcoal grill outside. There is circle with a 3-foot radius drawn around the grill. A young girl plays with a soccer ball well outside of the circle.

The Melbourne Fire Department reminds residents to stay fire safe this summer when grilling or using fire pits outdoors. Follow these safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:

Only use your grill outside.
Keep it at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails and eaves.
Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill. This will keep kids and pets safe.
Open your gas grill before lighting.
Keep an eye on your grill, fire pit or patio torches, and keep them at least 10 feet away from all combustible items. Don’t walk away from them when they are lit.
Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire.
Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled.
Liquid petroleum (LP) gas grills should never be used on exterior balconies of condominiums above the ground floor.

Visit the U.S. Fire website for more information and resources like this video on how to use your grill safely.