Grill Fire Damaged Bloomingdale Home: FD

BLOOMINGDALE, NJ — A Bloomingdale home was damaged in a grill fire earlier this month, the Bloomingdale Fire Department said.

The fire happened on June 1, and spread to the home and the outside of the home. The homeowner and the fire department were able to extinguish the fire.

"Please remember to keep your grill clean and kept a safe distance from your house," the fire department warned."

Best practices for grill safety vary based on what kind of grill you use, but generally speaking, the grill should be kept clean of food build-up and grease. It should never be left unattended, and children and pets should be kept away.

Use a charcoal grill? Here's what you need to know:

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

And here is the important information for a propane grill:

Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.