Planning to grill soon for friends and family? Follow these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration and our fire prevention staff to protect yourself and your property.

1. Only use your grill outside. 
2. Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill to keep kids and pets safe.
3. Keep your grill at least 10 feet from siding, deck rails and eaves.
4. If you live in a multifamily building like an apartment complex, you cannot use a grill on your balcony or deck unless it is protected by a sprinkler system. In that case, only gas grills are allowed.
5. Don't walk away from grills, fire pits or patio torches when they're lit. Keep an eye on them.
6. Open your gas grill before lighting.
7. Clean your grill after each use to remove grease that can start a fire.
8. Once the coals from your grill have cooled, place them in a metal can. Charcoal can stay hot enough to start a fire for more than 24 hours after use! 
9. Have questions? Fire department staff will be happy to give you a hand. You can call them at 913.888.6380.