Barbecue safety: P.E.I. fire marshal offers 4 tips to prevent fires

Now that spring has arrived, P.E.I.'s fire marshalis reminding Islanders to stay safe when they get out the grill.

Dave Rossiter is sharing tips to avoid starting a fire when barbecuing through a series of short videos.

1. Keep your distance

Rossiter says barbecues should be at least six inches away from the house.

"Over the past five years we've had a number, small number, of house fires that occurred because barbecues were placed right next to the house while they were in operation," said Rossiter.

"These appliances they do give off a fair amount of heat and in most case when you're dealing with combustible siding, combustible walls or vinyl siding that will catch fire."

2. Shut it off

It's important to always shut off the propane tank when you're done, said Rossiter. If it isn't, the propane will leak.

"Propane is heavier than air, and if that happens to get near a foundation or an open basement window, now you have propane that could be spilling into the house," he said.

3. Keep it outside

Don't barbecue in the home or garage, said Rossiter.

"We highly recommend that you keep it out of the home completely," he said. The back deck, however, is fine.

4. Inspect it

When you're bringing the barbecue back out after winter, check to make sure the hoses are connected, that the burner and hoses aren't rusted out, and that there aren't any cracks in the hose connection.

"If any of those pieces are not working right, or their rusted out or they're cracked, or they're broke, you simply go to the hardware store and get replacement parts for it," he said.

"If the barbecue is beyond that then it's probably time to chuck it and get a new one."

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