EAST WINDSOR – There were some tense moments for a Twin Rivers homeowner recently as firefighters quickly doused an out-of-control grill fire, but not before flames rose 15 feet into the air.
Firefighters from East Windsor Vol. Fire Co. 2 and Hightstown Engine Co. 1 responded to the frantic call that briefly threatened the home on Nettleton Drive.
“You have to keep an eye on barbecue grills at all times,” said East Windsor Co. 2 Chief Steve Genthe. “Flare-ups happen all the time, especially due to dripping grease and fat, which actually serve as an accelerant.”
Chief Genthe said backyard chefs should clean the grates and trays often, as they can also be the source of a grease and fat build-up, which can lead to grill fires. He added that grills should be kept at least five feet from the home, and that people should avoid cooking near deck railings, under eaves or near overhanging trees. Also, never leave a grill unattended and keep children and pets a safe distance away.
Chief Genthe said the National Fire Protection Association estimates that grill fires are the cause of nearly 20 percent of all structure fires in the U.S.
