The weather is hot, and there’s nothing better during the warmer months than grilling outside. Not only does it keep the house cooler because you don’t have the stove and oven going, it also gives mom a break by making dad do some of the cooking.
The grill might not come out every weeknight to make dinner—usually it’s the weekends and holidays when the grill becomes the star of the show. And recently, we’ve noticed that our hillsides are going from green to brown. Maybe you also noticed that we didn’t quite get as much rain this past winter as we usually do. That makes for a very dangerous fire season, so we’re asking everyone to be extra careful during grilling season.
And we all know what dad likes to do when he’s grilling: Have a beer. Well, maybe not every dad, but when the grill is on, there’s usually a party going on, maybe some kids running around and splashing in a pool, if you’re lucky. And distractions can cause accidents.
It’s not just in the backyard where grilling happens. Many people will be heading out to campsites this summer for vacations, and that’s another potential danger for starting fires. And with how dry our area is, that could spell a big-acre wildfire that could damage property, businesses and wildlife—and maybe even cost some human lives.
So here’s a few tips to remember this summer when you’ve got those coals glowing and the hot dogs or burgers roasting, thanks to the California Fire Association:
- Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a three-foot “safe zone” around the grill.
- If you own a propane grill, check the cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
- Avoid using soft wood, such as pine or cedar that will likely pop and throw sparks, in a fire pit. Use of seasoned hardwood is suggested.
- Don’t build a campfire at a site in hazardous, dry conditions or if the campground, area, or event rules prohibit campfires.
Have a safe and happy summer in the Inland Empire! And if the grill does happen to get out of hand, call us right away so we can get your home restored as quickly as possible. Call us on (877) 732-8471 now!