For Immediate Release

Monday, May 7, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

East Bridgewater Fire Chief Provides Grilling Safety Tips

EAST BRIDGEWATER — With the warmer weather now here, Chief Timothy Harhen would like to provide residents with grilling safety tips and also remind homeowners that the open burning period in town ended on May 1.

“Now that the warm weather is here and people are taking their grills out, it is important that residents take a few precautions to ensure everyone’s safety,” Chief Harhen said. “As a reminder, all grills must be at least 10 feet away from all buildings and structures, even when they are not in use.”

In order to prevent grilling fires and keep residents safe while cooking outdoors, East Bridgewater Fire recommends the following tips provided by the Department of Fire Services:

Safety First

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
• Place grills away from the house, siding, and deck railings and out from under leaves of overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
• Never leave a burning grill unattended.

Gas Grills

• Make sure the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
• Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas.
• Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
• If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off and move away from it. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
• Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area. Cylinders should not be used, stored or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures.

Charcoal Grills

• Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never use gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals.
• Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
• Properly dispose of grill ashes. Allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.

As a reminder to residents, open burning ended on May 1 and is no longer permitted.

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