Port Coquitlam firefighters are reminding residents to be careful with their barbecues and outdoor grills after poorly stored charcoal briquettes set fire to a porch at a PoCo home last weekend.
The briquettes were stored under a natural gas barbecue when they caught fire. A neighbour noticed the flames and phoned PoCo Fire and Emergency Services; damage was contained to the rear porch and all of the home's residents escaped unharmed.
According to acting assistant chief Randy Minaker, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with outdoor grilling. In order to avoid accidents the department asks that residents:
never store combustible materials next to a barbecue;
make sure the barbecue has been shut off and is completely cool before covering and storing;
never leave the barbecue unattended when in use;
keep gas hoses away from hot surfaces and hot grease;
keep children and pets away from the gas valve and the grill;
keep loose clothing away from the hot barbecue;
don't put water on a grease fire (it will only cause the flames to flare) - use an approved fire extinguisher instead;
when finished, first turn off the gas valve to allow gas in the hoses to burn off before turning off the burner controls;
and clean burners and grills regularly to minimize the risk of grease fires.
Crews will be on hand giving fire safety advice this summer as part of the department's Hot Summer Nights program and encourage residents to invite fire fighters to their neighbourhood event.
The initiative gives residents a chance to meet firefighters, check out firefighting equipment and learn more about fire safety. To book a visit contact [email protected] or call 604-927-5466.
For more safety tips, go to www.portcoquitlam.ca/fire.
