Good Day Mount Clemens,
Summer is finally here. Outdoor activities and BBQs are on the agenda city wide! I am confident we all share excitement about summer-time activities, but I would like to take just a moment and share with you some tips to ensure summer 2025 is a happy, healthy, and safe one for all of Mount Clemens.
Did you know…
• According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2017–2021, an average of 22,155 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.
• Gas grills were involved in an average of 9,079 home fires annually nationwide, including 4,454 structure fires and 4,625 outdoor fires annually. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills. Six percent of gas grill structure fires and 15% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks. What can we infer from these statistics? Quite simply that BBQ Grills can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Let’s review a few simple safety tips you can use to prevent a mishap this summer.
• For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
• If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have or are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
• Never leave your grill unattended when in use. Also, please remember that gasoline and other volatile liquids should NEVER be used to start a grill or outdoor fire; gasoline vapors can literally explode and cause serious injuries.
Enjoy the summer of 2025, and be sure to come to the fire station if you need a smoke detector for your Mount Clemens home.
Yours in Life Safety,
Dan Reynolds
Mount Clemens Fire Chief
