USFA Releases Residential Grill Fires Report
FEMA's United States Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of grill fires on residential properties. The report, titled "Grill Fires on Residential Properties," was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center and is further evidence of FEMA's commitment to sharing information with fire departments and first responders around the country to help them keep their communities safe.
"Grills, hibachis, and barbecues on residential properties continue to be a high fire risk," said Kelvin J. Cochran, U.S. fire administrator. "It is crucial that households be mindful of fire safety when using these pieces of equipment, especially as the summer season approaches. Please join with the USFA in sharing this report's information with your communities so that the necessary precautions can be taken to help prevent fires and save lives."
The report is part of the Topical Fire Report Series and is based on 2006 to 2008 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). According to the report, an estimated 5,700 grill fires on residential properties occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of 10 deaths, 100 injuries, and $37 million in property loss. More than half (57 percent) of grill fires on residential properties occur in the four months of May, June, July, and August and almost half (49 percent) of these fires occur during the hours of 5 to 8 p.m.
In addition, 32 percent of grill fires on residential properties start on patios, terraces, screened-in porches, or courtyards, while an additional 24 percent start on exterior balconies and unenclosed porches. Finally, propane is the power source in 69 percent of all grill fires on residential properties.
To download a PDF of that report, click here.