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Outdoor grilling fire safety
Grilling season has arrived. According to an NFPA study (2017-2021), more than one-quarter of grill structure fires started on an exterior balcony or open porch.
Take these safety measures to prevent grilling fires.
- Place the grill in an open area at least three feet away from siding, deck rails, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves and brush.
- Never leave gas or charcoal grills unattended while cooking.
- Always use your grill outdoors and never barbecue in an enclosed area because carbon monoxide can accumulate and be deadly.
- For gas grills, make certain the hose connection is tight and check the hoses for leaks. Turn the grill and fuel cylinder off immediately after grilling.
- For charcoal grills, avoid adding lighter fluid after the coals have been lit.
- Always place coals in a metal container with a tight lid after they have cooled for 48 hours.
- Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire.
Note: The use of outdoor grills in single-family homes, apartments and condominiums is not regulated by current Washington state law. However, apartment building owners and condominium associations, through lease agreements and owner’s association rules, may still prohibit or restrict use of outdoor grills.
Visit the Seattle Fire Department YouTube channel for grilling safety videos.
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Fire department building inspections
The Seattle Fire Department conducts inspections of multifamily residential buildings. These inspections occur annually or every other year based on characteristics of the building. The goal of the inspections is to decrease the number and severity of fires.
During the inspection, Seattle Fire Department personnel will make routine inspections of all public spaces, which include areas like hallways, exit balconies, assembly rooms, utility and laundry rooms and garages. They will also confirm contact information for the property. Inspections provide a good opportunity for building management to ask questions about the fire and life safety systems in the building.
Learn more about the inspection process here.
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Apartment fire safety presentations
This spring, consider having a Seattle Fire Department educator visit your apartment building for a free apartment fire safety presentation. Attendees can learn how to safely respond to a building fire alarm, how and when to shelter in place, and how to prevent fires.
Fill out the presentation request form or contact William Mace for more information.
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