Thursday, March 28, 2024

Wilmington Fire Department offers tips to prevent a cook-out from turning into an inferno

A simple backyard BBQ can turn into a disaster if proper safety tips are not followed (Port City Daily/File)
A simple backyard BBQ can turn into a disaster if proper safety tips are not followed. (Port City Daily/File)

WILMINGTON — Cookouts and summer go hand in hand but, as one Wilmington resident found out, burgers on the grill can quickly turn into a disaster if proper safety steps are not followed.

On Monday, the Wilmington Fire Department responded to a fire that ignited thanks to a charcoal grill.

“Fire was ruled accidental fire caused by cooking with a charcoal grill. Pine straw in area ignited and quickly spread to shed. (The) shed was a total loss valued at $15,000.00 and contents valued at $15,000.00 as well,” Wilmington Fire Assistant Chief of Operations Tom Robinson said.

WFD spokeswoman Natosha Vincent suggests residents brush up on their knowledge of fire safety when grilling out and keep heat sources at least 10 feet from combustibles.

A full list of tips can be seen in the graphic below:

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