Fire In North Austin Yields Cautionary Tale On Summer Grilling

AUSTIN, TX — A barbecue pit fire in North Austin over the weekend yields a cautionary tale on outdoor grilling, particularly at a time when the city has banned the activity given the scorching summer heat.

Firefighters knocked out the blaze at 100 E. Canyon Circle early Sunday morning, but not before the exterior deck and interior of the 6,000-square-foot house sustained damage. The cause, fire officials said via Twitter, was a propane tank that had been left on overnight after barbecuing.

One of the firefighters battling the fire sustained a minor hand injury, according to the Austin Fire Department.

Many residents have been forced to barbecue at home after the city banned the activity at area parks and recreation areas. Austin in late July implemented a burn ban at all city parks and recreation areas in late July, citing high temperatures and a lack of rainfall for the measure. The prohibition covers all city parks, greenbelts and preserves and took immediate effect, covering the use of wood or charcoal BBQ pits/grills/smokers. Propane stoves are allowed in designated picnic areas only, officials added.

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Given the potential for fire as a result of grilling, city officials said violators of the prohibition are subject to fines raning from $300 to $500. "The burn ban helps ensure the safety of park patrons and surrounding communities, while minimizing the wildfire risk in the city's parks and greenbelts," city officials wrote in an advisory. "The department will continue to evaluate fire conditions and will lift the ban as soon as it is safe to do so; a media advisory will be distributed at that time."

A week before the Austin ban, Williamson County implemented its version on July 22, in effect for 30 days. Violators of the order include those who burn any combustible material outside an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others, as officials explained. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.

While noting the fun of grilling in the summertime, the National Fire Protection Association warns of its dangers. "When the warmer weather hits, there’s nothing better than the smell of food on the grill," officials wrote on the agency's website. "Seven out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have a grill or smoker, which translates to a lot of tasty meals. But it also means there’s an increased risk of home fires."

Infographic via National Fire Protection Association.

Between 2014-2018, fire departments across the U.S. were dispatched to an annual average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, officials said, including 3,900 structure fires and 4,900 outside or unclassified fires.

To prevent such fires, the National Fire Protection Association offers grilling tips that can be downloaded.