06/02/2026
Grilling Season is Here: Keep the Heat on the Meat (and Away from the Walls) 🍔🔥
With the warmer weather finally settling in, there’s nothing better than the smell of a charcoal or gas grill going on a Saturday afternoon. But before you fire it up for your first cookout of the season, we have a vital safety reminder.
You may have seen the recent news about the fire in East Lansing at Chandler Crossing—a sobering reminder of how quickly a BBQ dinner can turn into a property-wide emergency. Whether you are at your permanent home, a condo, an apartment, or opening up the seasonal cottage, distance is your best friend.
The "Safe Zone" Rule
To keep your home and your neighbors safe, follow the 10-Foot Rule:
Maintain Distance: Always place your grill at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches, and eaves.
Check the Material: Vinyl siding can melt or ignite from heat alone, even without a direct flame.
Watch the Overhang: Never grill under a porch, awning, or low-hanging tree limb.
Safety Essentials for Every Griller
Clean the Grease: Flare-ups are most common when old grease and fat build up in the tray or on the grates. A clean grill is a safer grill.
Stay Present: Never leave a lit grill unattended. It only takes a few seconds for a small flare-up to become uncontrollable.
Check for Leaks: For gas grills, do a quick "soapy water test" on your hose to ensure there are no bubbles (leaks) before you spark it.
Proper Disposal: If you use charcoal, let the coals cool completely (usually 48 hours) before disposing of them in a metal container. Never put hot coals in a plastic trash bin or near a wooden fence.
A Note on Insurance & Housing Rules
If you live in an apartment or condo complex, be sure to check your association bylaws. Many local ordinances and complex rules strictly prohibit grilling on balconies or within a certain distance of the structure for this exact reason.
Accidents happen fast, and while insurance is there to help you recover, prevention is always the better path. Let’s keep the "grill master" title synonymous with "safety expert" this summer!
Stay safe, enjoy the sunshine, and let’s keep those fires contained to the grill! 🌭☀️