Modern Mississauga and the Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services have come together to present an ongoing series called “Fire Tip Friday” where we'll share tips on how to prevent fires in and around your home.
Today’s tip is on making sure your BBQ is safe to use.

With the much anticipated arrival of spring, BBQ season is finally here. Your first instinct may be to fire up the grill and call your neighbours over for burgers but before your patio is full of family and friends, ensure that you have done everything you can to prevent a devastating fire.

Start with a simple, three-step safety checklist.

1.    CLEAN
Use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure burner ports are free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.
2.    CHECK
Examine the hose leading from the tank to the burners. Replace it if cracked or damaged.
3.    TEST
Find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, tighten the connection or replace the damaged parts and retest. 

Fast Tips

•    Never leave the BBQ unattended when in use. 

•    Make sure grease does not build up on the burners or at the base of the BBQ. This could cause a grease fire. 

•    Never throw water on a grease fire – this will only spread the flame. 

•    Do not place the BBQ close to wooden fences or walls, vinyl siding or anything that can burn. The area behind your BBQ must be free of anything that can ignite. 

•    Keep loose clothing away from a hot BBQ. 

•    Keep children and pets at least one metre (three feet) away from a hot BBQ. 

•    When finished barbecuing, turn the gas valve off first, then turn off the burner controls so no gas is left in the connecting hose. 

•    Allow the BBQ to cool completely before closing the cover. 

•    If you live in an apartment or condo building, check with the building owner or property manager or the Condominium Act of your building, regarding the use of BBQs on your building’s balconies.
 

Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. To ensure you understand your role in keeping your family and home safe, I will share simple steps that will help us decrease the number of fires in Mississauga. Fires are preventable but it’s up to you to take action.
– Tim Beckett, Mississauga Fire Chief

If you have any further questions about fire safety, please contact Mississauga’s Fire Prevention Office at 905-896-5908 or fire.prevention@mississauga.ca and follow us on Twitter @MississaugaFES.