Golden Triangle firefighters are urging the public to utilize safe practices and common sense over the Memorial Day weekend.
The biggest threat to properties occurs when apartment complex residents attempt to grill out on their covered decks, said Columbus Fire and Rescue spokesperson Anthony Colom. The same danger is present when homeowners attempt to cook near a covered patio or any space with an overhang, he said.
Colom recommends cooks keep their gills at least 10 feet away from homes.
“You want to get a distance between your grill and your home or apartment,” he said. “We find that a lot of times with people in apartment complexes, even those upstairs, they’ll try to grill on their deck. An overhang in that situation can easily ignite and spread.”
A Summer Chase apartment building in Starkville burned down four years ago when a charcoal smoker ignited the facility.
Starkville has avoided similar disasters since then, Fire Marshal Mark McCurdy said, but the threat remains consistent.
“An apartment complex reached out to me recently because they had a tenant that wanted to grill on their balcony. That’s not just a no-no, it’s an actual rule,” he said. “On average, we probably have about 10 runs on average in the summer (due to grill fires).”
Both firefighters said grillers should only use equipment meant for cooking and proper sources of fuel. Fire extinguishers or sources of water should also be nearby at all times, they said.
“Always dispose of charcoal properly by wetting it down after you use it,” Colom said. “Gasoline or kerosene should never be used to start a grill fire.”
Cooks should never leave their grills unattended when they’re lit, McCurdy said, and the same danger applies to indoor cooking.
“Inevitably, people are going to walk out of the kitchen while something is going. Take a pot holder or big spoon with you, that way you’ll remember you’ve got food cooking,” he said.
Memorial Day also serves as an unofficial start to summer vacation for many schoolchildren, Colom said.
“This is the time of year we try to encourage everyone to be aware with more kids going swimming,” he said. “Never leave your child unattended, especially around lakes and ponds.”
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