As Memorial Day weekend approaches and grills across the country fire up to mark the unofficial start of summer, the National Fire Protection Association is reminding the public that outdoor cooking comes with serious fire risks.

Each year, thousands of home fires and injuries are linked to grilling, especially as more people head outdoors for seasonal cookouts. The NFPA, a leading advocate for fire safety, is sharing key tips to help keep gatherings safe and fire-free.

“Cookouts and outdoor grilling can be a great way to spend time with friends and family, but they do present potential risks,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Over Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, we want everyone to be aware of where and when grilling fires tend to happen, along with steps they can take to help prevent them.”

According to NFPA data, gas grills were linked to an average of 9,287 home fires annually between 2019 and 2023. Of those, 4,682 were structure fires while 4,605 were outdoor fires. Notably, in 20 percent of these incidents, the grill had not been cleaned — a leading factor in flare-ups and uncontrolled fires.

Grill-related injuries also remain a significant concern. Data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission show that an average of 21,682 people visited emergency rooms annually from 2020 to 2024 due to burns or other grill-related accidents.

“By following simple safety precautions, people can greatly reduce the risk of grilling fires and associated risks,” Carli said.

To promote safe grilling, the NFPA advises the following:

• For propane grills, inspect the gas tank for leaks before use. (Watch NFPA’s leak check video.)
• Clean your grill regularly, including trays and surfaces where grease and fat accumulate.
• Position grills well away from homes, deck railings, eaves or tree branches.
• Always open the lid before lighting a gas-powered grill.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet from the grill area.
• For charcoal grills, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add flammable liquids after the grill is lit. When finished, let coals cool completely before discarding them in a metal container.
• Never leave a grill unattended.

For more safety guidance, NFPA offers a podcast episode, a blog post on fire code regulations and a video with lesser-known grilling safety tips. Visit www.nfpa.org.