How to Keep Grill from Catching on Fire: Essential Safety Guide

North Carolina’s long, warm seasons make outdoor grilling a cherished tradition, especially in lakeside communities like Mooresville, where the outdoor lifestyle is part of everyday living. Residents in areas like The Point, Morrison Plantation, and along Brawley School Road enjoy extended grilling seasons thanks to the region’s mild climate. But with that extra time by the barbecue comes an increased risk of fire, especially with so many homes featuring wooden decks, waterfront views, and dense neighborhood layouts. Grill fires are one of the top causes of residential structure fires during North Carolina’s warmer months. With so many homes in Mooresville built close together, a single flare-up can quickly threaten more than just your own backyard. That’s why understanding how to keep a grill from catching fire is critical not just for your safety, but for the safety of your neighbors and property. Let’s walk through key grill safety practices that every Mooresville homeowner should know. 

Essential Grill Placement Rules for Mooresville Properties 

Grill safety starts with where you place your equipment. In Mooresville neighborhoods, especially newer developments in Iredell and nearby Catawba or Cabarrus Counties homes are often close together, with limited backyard space and shared decks. That means you need to be extra mindful of placement to avoid accidental ignition of siding, railings, or tree limbs. 

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home including exterior walls, deck railings, and overhangs. Vinyl siding, commonly used in Mecklenburg and Lincoln County homes, can melt or ignite quickly when exposed to high heat. 

• Mind the overhead clearance. Mooresville yards often feature beautiful mature trees, especially around Lake Norman. Make sure there’s at least 3 feet of vertical space between your grill and any low-hanging branches or eaves. 

• Set your grill on a fire-resistant surface. While wooden decks are a staple in homes across the Lake Norman area, they’re not the safest foundation for grilling. Place your grill on a patio stone, concrete pad, or fire-safe grill mat designed to protect combustible surfaces. 

Critical Grill Maintenance to Prevent Fire Hazards 

Even the safest placement won’t help if your grill isn’t properly maintained. Grease, faulty gas lines, and burner blockages are among the leading causes of grill fires many of which start so subtly that homeowners don’t realize the danger until it’s too late. To keep your grill from catching on fire, adopt the following routine maintenance habits: 

• Clean your grease trap regularly. One of the most common causes of fires is built-up grease that ignites during cooking. After each use or at least weekly during heavy grilling months empty and clean the grease tray and any catch pans. 

• Inspect propane hoses before every use. Cracked or leaking gas lines are especially dangerous and often go unnoticed. Look for signs of wear and perform a simple leak test with soapy water. Bubbles indicate a leak and require immediate attention. 

• Clear burner ports. Clogged burners can cause uneven flames and flare-ups. Use a wire brush to gently clean the burner tubes, and check for debris like spider webs yes, really! They’re a known issue in gas grills in wooded areas like Salisbury and Hickory. 

Safe Grilling Techniques That Reduce Fire Risks 

Grill fires are often the result of user error, not equipment failure. Following a few simple operating techniques can significantly reduce the risk of accidents especially when grilling in areas prone to sudden wind shifts, like those near Lake Norman or elevated zones in Caldwell County. Here’s how to grill safely: 

• Open the lid before turning on the gas. This simple step prevents propane from building up in an enclosed space and igniting with a dangerous burst. 

• Never leave your grill unattended. It’s tempting to step inside for a minute, but wind can change quickly in the Mooresville area, especially during summer storms. One gust is all it takes to fan the flames or knock over a grill. 

• Keep a spray bottle of water on hand. For minor flare-ups, a small spritz can tame the flame without spreading grease. Never use water on a grease fire, but for small flame control, this tactic is fast and effective. 

Emergency Response for Grill Fires 

Even with all precautions, accidents can happen. Knowing how to respond in the first moments of a grill fire can make the difference between a close call and a devastating blaze. 

For gas grill fires: 

• Turn off the burners and close the gas tank if safe to do so. 

• Never use water; this can cause a grease explosion. 

• Use a Class B fire extinguisher (rated for flammable liquids and gases). 

For charcoal grill fires: 

• Close the lid and vents to cut off oxygen. 

• Use sand or baking soda to smother flames if they escape the grill. 

• Keep a metal bucket nearby for used ashes embers can stay hot for hours. 

Fire extinguisher placement: 

• For lakefront or deck-heavy homes in Mooresville, store a fire extinguisher within easy reach of your grill. Make sure it’s a multi-purpose (ABC-rated) unit and check the gauge monthly. 

Evacuation and emergency reporting: 

• Know the best route out of your yard or deck and ensure family members—especially children—understand what to do. 

• In neighborhoods like The Point or Morrison Plantation with larger lots and longer driveways, consider posting visible house numbers for faster emergency response. 

If a fire spreads beyond the grill or structure damage occurs, call 911 first and then contact a local fire damage restoration expert like ServiceMaster Restoration by McCoy. We serve homeowners across Mooresville, Lake Norman, and nearby communities in Mecklenburg, Iredell, and Lincoln Counties. 

Fire-Free Grilling Starts with Prevention 

Mooresville’s beautiful lakefront lifestyle and long grilling season come with one major responsibility: fire safety. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just searing steaks for two, keeping your grill from catching on fire is all about smart planning and safe practices. 

• Place your grill away from structures and flammable surfaces. 

• Maintain your grill and inspect it regularly for buildup or wear. 

• Use proper techniques every time you cook. 

• Be prepared to act fast in case of an emergency. 

If your home has already experienced fire or smoke damage or if you'd like a professional safety assessment ServiceMaster Restoration by McCoy is here to help. With years of experience restoring homes throughout Mooresville, Hickory, Salisbury, and beyond, we offer peace of mind and prompt response when it matters most. 

Contact us today to schedule a fire risk assessment or learn more about our fire damage restoration services in the Lake Norman area.