Barbecue and gas grilling safety tips offered

The weather is warming up and there’s nothing like cooking outdoors. Grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook food, but this can be hazardous if not done safely.

Last year in Washington State, there were over 2000 fire incidents caused by cooking with over 10 million dollars in losses. This includes both propane and charcoal grills.

The SFMO urges residents to practice grilling safety by:

• Only using grills outdoors.

• Keeping children and pets at least three feet away from your grilling area.

• Placing your grill well away from your home, deck and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Never leaving your grill unattended.

• Always making sure the grill lid is open before lighting if using a gas grill.

• Keeping charcoal lighter fluid out of the reach of children when using a charcoal grill.

• Checking propane tank connections for leaks before using for the first time.

• Using electric charcoal starters for lighting charcoal, if available.

• Letting coals cool before disposing them in a metal container.

For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3929.