Grilling & Outdoor Fires

Grilling, campfires, and outdoor fires bring families and friends together – and by taking some precautionary steps, fire-related incidents and injuries can be avoided. 

How to use this toolkit

The toolkit contains content that you can share on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media channels to increase awareness about grilling, campfires, and outdoor fires. You can copy this content or customize it to reach your audience.

Click on the image you would like to share – “save as” – utilize on social media platforms, website, printed material, or anywhere else you would like. 

Grill safely this summer infographic: Place grill outside, away from home, deck, railing, garage, etc. Establish 3 foot "kid-free" zone. Use long-handled grilled tools. Never leave grill unattended while in use.
Grill safely this summer infographic: Place grill outside, away from home, deck, railing, garage, and other flammable structures.
Campfire safety tips infographic: When allowed, they need to be 25 feet away from any structure or material that can burn. Never leave a fire unattended, a campfire left alone for only a few minutes can grow into a damaging fire. Avoid burning on window and or dry days. Embers can ignite nearby structure or cause a wildfire.
Enjoy outdoor fire safely infographic: Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids. Keep children and pets away from the fire perimeter. Always have a hose, a bucket or water or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire. Make sure to put it completely out before leaving the site.

Campfires

  • Keep at least 25 feet away from any structure and anything that can burn
  • Clear away dry leaves and sticks, overhanging low branches and shrubs
  • Avoid burning on windy, dry days
  • Never let children or pets play or stand too close to the fire
  • Attend to the campfire at all times as lef along for only a few minutes can grow into a damaging fire
  • Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids

Grilling

  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors
  • Grills should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area
  • Keep grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in the trays below the grill
  • Never leave the grill unattended
  • Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it

Outdoor Burning

  • Check with your local fire department or municipality for any restrictions before starting an open-air fire – Obtain proper permits, if required
  • When allowed, open fires such as bonfires, yard waste fires, or trash fires need to be at least 50 feet from anything that can burn
  • Where outdoor burning is allowed, never burn plastics, construction debris, treated lumber, tires, pesticides, paint, or aerosol containers
  • Have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel with dirt or sand nearby to extinguish the fire
  • Avoid burning on windy, dry days as embers from open burning can ignite nearby structures or cause a wildfire