November 9, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2011-86) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org BBQ GRILL CAUSE OF EARLY MORNING HOUSE FIRE A grill sitting too close to an exterior wall of a house located at 1561 Illinois Street caused a fire early this morning, Wednesday, November 9 at approximately 1:17 a.m. Mobile firefighters arrived to find a fire on the first floor porch of a two-story, wood frame structure that had extended up to the second level and into the attic. The occupant told fire investigators that he had used a charcoal grill with wood inside earlier in the night. Investigators determined that the grill was on the front porch up against the exterior wall. It appeared embers fell through an opening on the bottom of the grill and caught the wood flooring and the exterior wall on fire. Damage is estimated at approximately $12 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 2, 8, 9, 11; truck 17; rescue 3 and District Chief John Young responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention conducted the investigation. TIPS: • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation. • Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. • Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. • Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill. • Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill. • Never pour hot embers out on the ground or in trash receptacles, wait until they cool to depose of. • Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources. • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going. • Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame. ###