Illinois fire marshal warns of grilling dangers

Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow urged residents on May 22 to inspect grills, clean equipment and follow local rules on recreational fires before Memorial Day weekend cookouts. The advisory came as Illinois marked the holiday weekend as one of the busiest periods of the year for outdoor cooking, campfires and travel, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The office said grills that have sat unused for months can create added risk if burners, hoses or fireboxes are not checked before use. Pankow said prevention remained the best response as first responders prepared for heavier holiday-weekend call volumes. ### Why did Illinois issue the warning before this weekend? Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times of year for outdoor cooking and campfires, the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal said in its May 22 release. The office said increased activity brings increased risk involving grilling equipment, open flames and portable heat sources. Pankow said residents should inspect and clean grills before using them this summer and check with their local community to make sure small recreational fires are allowed. (illinois.gov) WSIL-TV and other Illinois outlets published the state warning on May 23 as residents prepared for holiday gatherings across the state. The coverage echoed the state’s focus on equipment checks, fire prevention and local restrictions on outdoor burning. ### What specific hazards did the fire marshal highlight? The state guidance said grills should be used outdoors only and kept well away from homes, deck railings and overhanging branches. (illinois.gov) The Office of the State Fire Marshal also advised residents to keep children and pets away from the grilling area and never leave a grill unattended while in use. Gas grills received added attention in the advisory. (wsiltv.com) The state said users should check hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks, and make sure connections are tight before lighting the grill. The office also said propane cylinders should never be stored indoors. ### What numbers did the state cite on grill fires and injuries? The National Fire Protection Association data cited by Illinois said about 64% of U.S. households own at least one outdoor barbecue, grill or smoker. (sfm.illinois.gov) The state said July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May and August. Illinois also cited federal injury data in the advisory. (sfm.illinois.gov) According to Consumer Product Safety Commission figures referenced by the state, an average of 21,682 patients per year went to emergency rooms in 2020 through 2024 because of injuries involving grills. The release also said gas grills were involved in an average of 9,287 home fires per year, including 4,682 structure fires and 4,605 outdoor fires. (illinois.gov) ### What did Michele Pankow say? Michele Pankow said in the state release that first responders were prepared for increased calls during holiday weekends, but that prevention was the best response. She urged residents to inspect and clean grills before summer use and to check whether small recreational fires are permitted in their communities. Pankow also said the public should do its part to keep Memorial Day safe and meaningful. (illinois.gov) ### Where can residents look for the next step? The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal said residents can review its grilling safety guidance on the agency’s website and check with local fire departments or municipalities for rules on recreational fires. The state’s Memorial Day advisory was issued on May 22, and the office said the same safety practices apply throughout the summer grilling season. (sfm.illinois.gov) (illinois.gov)