SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal is reminding residents to practice grilling and fire safety as Memorial Day weekend continues across the state. State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow said first responders expect increased calls during holiday weekends and urged people to inspect and clean grills before use and check local rules on recreational fires. The National Fire Protection Association reports about 64 percent of U.S. households own an outdoor grill or smoker, with July, June, May and August being the busiest months for grill fires. Gas grills are involved in an average of 9,287 home fires each year, including structure and outdoor fires, with leaks or breaks being a common cause. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an average of 21,682 people per year were treated in emergency rooms from 2020 through 2024 for grill related injuries. Fire officials recommend using propane and charcoal grills only outdoors, keeping grills away from homes and decks, keeping children and pets at least three feet away, cleaning grease buildup regularly, never leaving grills unattended, checking propane tanks and hoses for leaks, and keeping a fire extinguisher or water source nearby. Officials also warned campfires, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces should be kept a safe distance from homes, tents and other combustible materials.
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