How to Extinguish a Charcoal Grill

How to Extinguish a Charcoal Grill

The charcoal briquets used in charcoal grills can stay hot long after you finish grilling. Air stirring through the cooling briquets and ash can reignite them and cause a fire, so extinguishing the grill properly is an important safety consideration. To keep yourself, your family and your guests safe, locate the vents on your grill before you begin using it, and don’t use more charcoal briquets than you need. The more charcoal you burn, the longer it will take for all the ashes to cool.

1. 1.

   Put on heavy-duty oven mitts. Lower the lid on the grill, and turn the vents to close them. Most models have two vents, one on the bottom and one on the top.

2. 2.

   Keep the lid and vents closed until the grill is cool to the touch, 48 hours if possible. Keep an eye on the grill whenever people or animals are in the area surrounding it.

3. 3.

   Close the grill and charcoal for as long as possible if you aren’t able to keep the grill safe for a full 48 hours, for example if you have wild animals in your area that might tip the grill over during the night. Place a bucket of water beside the grill and transfer each briquet into the water using a pair of long-handled tongs. Close the lid again to prevent embers from blowing out and causing a fire, and keep it closed until cool.

4. 4.

   Extinguish a fire that occurs during grilling with a class B, ABC or K fire extinguisher, all of which work on grease fires. If the fire doesn’t go out immediately or you don’t have a home fire extinguisher, clear the area and call the fire department.

   Things You Will Need

   • Heavy-duty oven mitts

   • Long-handled tongs

   • Bucket of water

   • Class B, ABC or K fire extinguisher

   • Baking soda (optional)

   Tip

   Keep a garden hose nearby while you grill in case an escaped ember starts a fire in your yard.

   Always make sure to keep your clothing clear of a hot grill. Wear short sleeves and secure your apron strings.

   A Class ABC fire extinguisher is often the most useful to have in the home, because it can extinguish multiple types of fire, including small grease fires in grills. A Class B fire extinguisher can put out small grease fires; a Class K extinguisher can put out larger grease fires.

   If your grill flares up and you don’t have a fire extinguisher, you can put out a small fire by pouring baking soda onto it. Only try this if the fire is low and small enough for you to get close to it without burning yourself.

   Warning

   If you plan to grill on a deck, use a gas grill instead of a charcoal grill. Charcoal grills pose a greater fire risk on wooden surfaces because of the risk of blowing embers.

   Don’t pour water onto the coals to cool them off. This releases a cloud of steam that can cause serious burns.

   Charcoal briquets release carbon monoxide while they burn. Carbon monoxide is toxic in confined areas, so always grill outside, and leave the grill outside while it cools to ensure carbon monoxide doesn’t build up in your home.

Resources

Writer Bio

Stephanie Mitchell is a professional writer who has authored websites and articles for real estate agents, self-help coaches and casting directors. Mitchell also regularly edits websites, business correspondence, resumes and full-length manuscripts. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater.