Jul 1, 2009 8:19 pm US/Eastern
Holiday BBQ's Can Lead To Fast-Spreading Fires
Approx. 8,000 House Fires Each Year Ignited By Backyard Grills
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Most Americans celebrate the Fourth of July holiday by firing up the grill for an old-fashioned backyard barbeque.
But grills can also be responsible for igniting fires – and these leave an average of eight thousand houses reduced to ashes each year.
July Flagler said her home was one of them.
"(My husband) looked out the window and, seeing smoke, thought, 'Oh my' and he goes outside and there's flames everywhere," Flagler said.
The fire at the Flagler household started when the hose connecting the grill to its propane tank came loose.
"We just had this big propane torch that was igniting everything out there," Flagler said.
Grill fires result in more than $80 million in property damages each year.
John Drengenberg, of the Underwriters Lab's fire protection department claims an unattended burger or two can quickly flare up, spark a plant and result in flames that quickly engulf a wooden deck, patio furniture and siding.
"Somebody loses a house, or at least part of their house, because of a grill," Drengenberg said. "That's why it's so important to keep the grill away from the house, garage or carport."
Drengenberg also recommended people keep their family's grill at least 10 feet away from the house.
Flagler and her family did not; and although they all survived, their house was burned to the ground.
"We lost everything," Flagler said. "I mean antiques, pictures, all just gone."
Gas-powered grills are a more common source of fires than those burning charcoal. Experts have said the probability of starting a grill fire is five times greater with a gas cooker.
Grills should also be inspected regularly to ensure they are working properly.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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