•June 1, 2016•

With warmer weather arriving and grills lighting up all across Illinois, the Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds residents to take proactive measures to keep their summer barbecues safe and fun for all involved.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2009 and 2013, US fire departments responded to an average of 8,900 grill-related fires per year, which caused an annual average of ten civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries and $118 million in direct property damage. Grill usage peaks in the summer months, so it is not surprising that nearly 60% of grill fires nationwide occur between May and August.

Residents should also be aware of grill-related, non-fire burns. In 2014, hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 5,200 patients for burns caused by contact with hot grill surfaces. Of those, about one third were children under five years old.

“There’s nothing quite like a flame-grilled burger during the summer,” said State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “Since well over half of grill fires happen between May and August, we’re asking residents to stay vigilant as they prepare their summer meals.”

Fortunately, most grill fires and non-fire injuries are preventable if residents are proactive and cautious. The National Fire Protection Association provides the following tips:     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.