Lost Lake diner wasn’t the only thing on Capitol Hill catching fire this weekend. Seattle Fire rushed to the scene of smoke and flames at a 11th Ave E home north of Volunteer Park Sunday after a BBQ grill blaze spread to the deck. The fire was quickly extinguished, damage was limited and there were no reported injuries but the grill-sparked blaze was part of an ongoing problem for SFD. They’ve included a few tips for summer grilling, below. It’s especially pertinent for grilling in the crowded confines of Capitol Hill’s apartment buildings — we’re pretty sure that #5 is almost impossible on most apartment balconies so better make sure the rest of the list is locked down when you break out the hibachi.
BBQ Grill Causes Fire to Capitol Hill Home
April 14- Firefighters quickly extinguished a BBQ fire which spread to a Capitol Hill home located in the 1900 block of 11th Avenue East.
The homeowner called 911 at 12:07 p.m. to report that the fire from his BBQ grill spread to the back deck and to the wall of his house. When firefighter arrived, the homeowner had knocked down the fire using a garden hose.
The fire was caused when radiant heat from the BBQ caught the grill cover on fire which spread to the exterior wood-shake wall of the house.
There were no reported injuries.
Every year, the Seattle Fire Department responds to fires caused by outdoor grilling. With the arrival of Spring and warming temperatures, the potential for an increase in grilling fires is much higher.
Here are some safety precautions to prevent grilling-related fires:
1) For gas grills, make certain the hose connection is tight and check the hoses for leaks. Turn the grill and fuel cylinder off immediately after grilling.
2) For charcoal grills, avoid adding lighter fluid after the coals have been lit. Always place coals in a metal container with a tight lid after they have cooled for 48 hours.
3) Never leave gas or charcoal grills unattended while cooking.
4) Always use your grill outdoors and never barbecue in an enclosed area because carbon monoxide can accumulate and be deadly.
5)Set-up your grill in an open area at least 10 feet away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves and brush.
6) The Seattle Fire Department recommends the use of one-pound propane cylinders as the least hazardous fuel source for outdoor grills.
The use of barbecues in single family homes, apartments and condominiums is not regulated by current Washington State law. However, apartment building owners and condominium associations, through lease agreements and owner’s association rules, may still prohibit or restrict use of barbecues.
[…] summer, CHS covers a handful of barbecue fires around Capitol Hill. Things got off to an early start this spring. Seattle Fire’s recently updated list of “outdoor grilling” safety […]