Outdoor Grilling Safety

Tools: Water, metal bucket or container, aluminum foil, and a stirring utensil, such as metal tongs

• Use a hot coals container like this for disposal if available on your public lands

Cellphone: Call 911 immediately in case of emergency — if embers fly out of the charcoal grate and catch surrounding vegetation on fire.

Search for ‘outdoor campfire restrictions’ followed by your location, local parks and recreation organization, or public lands agency.

Don’t use charcoal grills if a campground, area, or event rules prohibit them.

Don’t use charcoal grills in hazardous, dry, or windy conditions.

If available, opt to use a propane or electric grill instead of a charcoal grill. These types of grills are safer, as they don’t typically spread embers the way charcoal grills do.

If a grease flare-up occurs, turn off the burners or fuel source if it’s safe to do so, then close the grill lid to smother the flames by cutting off oxygen. 

If using a charcoal grill, close the top and bottom vents once you put the lid on. Use a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires (called a “Class B” fire) or baking soda to fully suppress the flames. 

For information on how to grill safely, visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) grilling and cooking sites, and the US FEMA site.

Whether using a charcoal, electric, or propane grill, make sure flammable objects and tree overhangs are at least 3 feet away from the grill.

Always be vigilant around your grill — don’t play around, and keep an eye on children and pets.

Always keep your grill clean, and watch for wisps of smoke or burning smells (early signs that grease may ignite).

Pour lots of water on the coals until the hissing sound stops, drowning all the embers. Let coals cool down before handling. 

Use your utensil to stir the water with the coals and mix well until no embers are exposed or smoldering, not just the red ones.

Continue adding water until all coals are cool.

Hover the back of your hand over the coals to feel the embers are cool — don’t leave without making sure your fire is entirely out.

When the ash has completely cooled off, wrap coals in aluminum foil.

Once you have made sure coals are completely cooled off and wrapped up, dispose in a non-combustible outdoor trash bin, not on the ground.

If using a personal metal container, cover with a lid and pack out what you carry in.

If using a large public bin, carefully place the wrapped coals into the bin.