Ah, summer! As brief as it is, this shortest of seasons here in the Yoop is when so many of our favorite U.P. memories are made. And nothing says “summer” so much as firing up the grill!
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of grilling season here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. After our long winters, there’s nothing quite like enjoying the outdoors with family and friends to the tune of burgers and brats (or perhaps freshly caught whitefish or trout) hot off the grill.
But as certified home inspectors in the U.P., we could tell you a story or two about how our unique regional conditions—from strong lakeside winds to wooden decks and seasonal storage challenges—can send your cookout up in flames (and not in a good way). So if you’re the type who would rather hear about harrowing stories than live through them, read on to learn about proper Upper Peninsula grill safety measures.
Why Upper Peninsula Grill Safety Matters More Than You Think
I hate to start with scary numbers, but they really tell the story. According to the latest data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an annual average of 11,421 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues each year between 2017 and 2021. That’s not just charred burgers we’re talking about – these fires caused two deaths, 176 injuries, and a whopping $172 million in property damage annually.
In the Upper Peninsula, our combination of wooden structures, dense pine forests, and those tricky lake-effect winds create a perfect storm for grill mishaps.
As we inspect homes across Marquette, Escanaba, Munising, and throughout the UP, we routinely find evidence of grill-related damage that homeowners could have avoided with proper Upper Peninsula grill safety measures.
Yes, we’re talking things like charred deck boards and melted vinyl siding. We see it all the time. We’ve even seen cases where the grill was hot enough to melt the next door neighbor’s siding. How about a little lawsuit to chase down that hot dog?
Universal Upper Peninsula Grill Safety Tips for Every Cookout
No matter what type of grill you’re firing up this Memorial Day, there are some safety basics that every Yooper should know. After inspecting hundreds of UP homes, we’ve developed these must-follow Upper Peninsula grill safety practices:
Location Matters: Finding the Perfect Spot
The first step to safe grilling happens before you even light the fire. Always place your grill on a level, non-combustible surface. Keep it at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, eaves, and overhanging branches. All those U.P. homes we mentioned with melted siding or scorched deck boards? It was because grills were positioned too close to structures—so easy to prevent with a little foresight!
Placing your grill on level ground is not just for stability, but because a tipped grill on a slope can send hot coals rolling. Keep it at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, and definitely away from those overhanging branches. We inspected a home in Ishpeming last year where the homeowner had their grill directly under a pine tree – talk about a recipe for disaster!
The Watchful Eye: Never Walk Away
Look, I get it – you’re hosting, the phone rings, someone needs a drink, or nature calls. But here’s a hard truth I’ve learned from investigating fire damage: most grill fires happen when nobody’s watching.
One of the most dangerous things you can do is leave your grill unattended. Most grill accidents happen when no one is watching. That quick trip inside to grab more food or another beverage can turn disastrous in seconds. Always stay with your grill throughout the cooking process, or ask a responsible adult to monitor it if you must step away.
Be Prepared: Safety Equipment Within Reach
Here’s a mistake we see constantly during home inspections: the fire extinguisher is in the basement while the grill is on the second-story deck. Or worse – there’s no extinguisher at all.
Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby whenever you grill – not inside, not in the garage, but within arm’s reach. More importantly, know how to use that extinguisher before there’s a problem. Those few seconds fumbling with the pin could mean the difference between a minor flare-up and calling 911.
Even responsible people often don’t realize that fire extinguishers have a shelf life. Make sure yours is in working order before the grilling season begins. We recommend testing your extinguisher each spring before grilling season begins. And if you’re way out in the woods (as many UP homes are), remember that fire department response times can be longer, making your preparation even more crucial.
Patience Pays Off: The Cool Down Period
After the burgers are eaten and the gathering winds down, resist the urge to immediately move or store your grill. Always allow it to cool completely first. This cooling process can take longer than you might expect, especially for charcoal grills. Many garage fires start from grills that were put away while still warm.
Clean Machine: Regular Maintenance
Grease buildup is a major fire hazard that we frequently point out during home inspections. Clean your grill thoroughly after each use to prevent dangerous flare-ups. Those tasty drippings from last week’s cookout could become fuel for today’s unwanted fire. Developing a quick cleaning routine after each use will make the job easier and your grilling safer.
Dress for Success: Proper Grilling Attire
That loose-fitting shirt might be comfortable for lounging, but it’s a hazard around open flames. Avoid loose clothing that could catch fire, and use long-handled barbecue tools and flame-resistant oven mitts. This simple precaution keeps your hands and arms safely away from heat and flames.
Spirits and Flames Don’t Mix: Alcohol Awareness
Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill area – they’re flammable! Additionally, save your drinking until after the grilling is done. Impaired judgment and hot flames are a dangerous combination that can turn a festive gathering into an emergency room visit.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of grill safety. Whether your grill uses charcoal, propane, or electricity, you’ll find the Upper Peninsula grill safety tips you need right here:
Charcoal Grill Safety
Charcoal grills provide that classic smoky flavor but require specific safety measures:
- Outdoor Use Only: Never use a charcoal grill indoors or in enclosed spaces – carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk.
- Proper Charcoal Depth: Fill the base with charcoal to a depth of no more than 2 inches to prevent excessive flames.
- Starter Fluid Safety: Use only barbecue starter fluid, never gasoline or other flammable liquids. Allow the fluid to soak into coals for a full minute before lighting to let explosive vapors dissipate.
- One-Time Application: Never add starter fluid to an already lit grill – the flame can follow the stream back to the container and cause an explosion.
- Keep Lighter Fluid Away: Store the charcoal lighter fluid container at a safe distance from the grill once you’ve started cooking.
- Ash Disposal: When cleaning the grill, dispose of ashes in a metal container with a tight lid and add water. Never remove ashes until they have fully cooled, which can take up to 48 hours.
Propane Grill Safety
Propane grills are UP favorites, especially for larger gatherings, but require careful handling:
- Outdoor Tank Storage: Store propane tanks outdoors, never in garages, sheds, or near any heat source.
- Transportation Safety: Never store or transport propane tanks in your car’s trunk where heat can build up.
- Complete Shutdown: Turn the gas all the way off after you’ve finished cooking and when changing tanks.
- Tank Inspection: Check for damage to a tank before refilling it. Look for rust, dents, or damaged valves.
- Quantity Limitations: No more than two 20-pound propane tanks should be kept on the property of a one- or two-family home.
- Leak Detection: To check for leaks, spray a soapy water solution over the connections and watch for bubbles. Replace any leaking parts before using the grill.
- Connection Security: Make sure connections are secure before turning on the gas, especially if the grill hasn’t been used all winter.
- Lighting Procedure: Always ignite a propane grill with the lid OPEN, not closed, to prevent dangerous gas buildup.
- Proper Shutdown Sequence: When finished, turn off the gas first, and then the controls.
Electric Grill Safety
While not exactly backwoods-friendly, you may occasionally find an electric grill in the UP, especially in apartments with restrictions on open flames. Here are some Upper Peninsula grill safety tips for the plugged-in crowd:
- No Combustibles: Never use lighter fluid or any other combustible materials with an electric grill.
- Appropriate Extension Cords: When using an extension cord, make sure it’s rated for the amperage required by the grill. Look for heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords.
- Cord Management: Keep the cord unplugged when not in use and out of foot paths to prevent tripping hazards.
- Follow Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
Upper Peninsula Grill Safety: It’s Different Up Here
LLiving in the UP means we face grilling challenges that folks from the big cities never think about. Our distinctive northwoods environment calls for some special precautions that I’ve learned through years of inspecting fire-damaged homes across the peninsula. Trust me, after seeing what can happen when a spark flies from a lakeside grill onto a cedar-sided cabin, you develop a healthy respect for UP-specific grill safety.
Battling the Lake Effect: Wind Protection Strategies
If you’ve lived through even one UP summer, you know our lakeside breezes can turn into gusty winds without warning. We’ve seen lightweight grills get knocked right over by a sudden gust off Lake Superior, sending hot coals tumbling across wooden decks. These winds don’t just blow smoke in your face – they can send sparks flying, cause dangerous flare-ups, or turn a small flame into a serious problem.
Set yourself up for success by positioning your grill with the wind direction in mind. If you’re grilling near any of our Great Lakes or inland waters, consider creating a semi-sheltered cooking area that still allows for proper ventilation. For smaller portable grills, we recommend deck anchors or weight bags to keep everything stable when those Yooper winds kick up.
Protecting Your Outdoor Living Spaces
Many UP homes feature those classic wooden decks we all love gathering on, but they’re also perfect fuel if embers escape your grill.
If you’re grilling on a deck (and let’s be honest, most of us are), invest in a good quality grill pad or splatter mat designed specifically for wooden surfaces. Don’t you think avoiding ugly char marks on your deck is worth a $30 protective mat?
We especially worry about older decks with weathered, dry wood and small gaps between boards where embers can fall through and smolder unnoticed. If your deck has seen a few too many UP winters, be extra cautious and check underneath occasionally while grilling. That quick peek could save your home.
Even better, take a little time to properly maintain your deck. We see SO many decks here in the U.P. that are literally falling apart because no-one bothered to apply a bit of protective finish every few years. Now that’s a safety hazard! If you love to grill out on your deck, give your deck a little love in return!
Weathering the Elements: Seasonal Storage Solutions
Our brutal UP winters aren’t just tough on us – they’re murder on outdoor equipment. We’ve seen propane tanks corroded beyond safety limits and grills rusted through after just a couple of harsh winters.
When the snow starts flying (usually way too early), take the time to properly clean and store your grill. Remove every bit of grease buildup first – that stuff attracts critters looking for winter shelter. For propane grills, please disconnect the tank and store it outdoors in a sheltered but ventilated spot – never in your garage or basement where leaking gas could accumulate.
Cover your grill with a quality weather-resistant cover that can handle our massive snowfalls. Good winter storage will save you from buying a new grill every few years and ensure your equipment is safe when spring finally returns (usually way too late).
Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Peninsula Grill Safety
Is it safe to grill on my wooden deck in the Upper Peninsula?
Yes, with proper precautions. Use a protective grill mat designed for wooden surfaces, maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from your home’s structure, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. And if you’re buying a home in the Upper Peninsula, where wooden decks are common, we advise inspecting the deck area for signs of heat damage or charring.
How should I secure my grill during strong Upper Peninsula winds?
Position your grill perpendicular to the typical wind direction to prevent strong gusts from blowing directly into the grill. For smaller grills, consider using deck anchors to secure them. For gas grills, ensure the propane tank is properly secured. Always avoid grilling during severe weather advisories, which are common along Lake Superior and other UP waterways.
What’s the safest type of grill to use in an Upper Peninsula environment?
Each grill type has advantages depending on your specific location. For homes in densely wooded areas, electric grills reduce spark and ember risks. For open areas, propane offers convenience and control. Charcoal provides traditional flavor but requires extra caution in our environment, particularly regarding proper ash disposal to prevent forest fire risks.
How do I prepare my grill for Upper Peninsula winter storage?
Thoroughly clean all cooking surfaces and remove grease buildup. For propane grills, disconnect the tank and store it outdoors in a protected but ventilated area. Cover your grill with a quality weather-resistant cover. If possible, store smaller grills in a shed or garage (with propane tanks removed) to protect from our heavy snowfall and freeze-thaw cycles.
Where can I find more information about grill safety?
If you want to dig deeper into grill safety (and I hope you do), check out the National Fire Protection Association’s website at www.nfpa.org/grilling. They’re the experts who track all those fire statistics I mentioned.
They just released their 2024 grilling safety guide in time for Memorial Day – you can find the newest information at their press release page.
And of course, you can always give us a call directly if you have questions specific to your UP home’s setup. We’re happy to provide a quick phone consultation about grill placement or safety concerns – that’s why we’re in this business!
Enjoy a Safe Grilling Season Across the Upper Peninsula
Listen, we’re not trying to scare you away from grilling. Believe it or not, certified home inspectors love a good cookout as much as anyone! Our job isn’t to ruin the fun but to make sure your home is still standing after the party.
By following these Upper Peninsula grill safety tips, you can enjoy worry-free cookouts all season long. Whether you’re firing up the grill for Memorial Day weekend in Marquette or hosting a Fourth of July barbecue on your Escanaba deck, these precautions will keep your property and loved ones safe.
If you’re buying or selling a home this summer, or just want peace of mind about your current property, give us a call. We’ve inspected homes from Ironwood to St. Ignace and everywhere in between, and we’re particularly careful about checking for potential fire hazards.
Call Certified Master Inspector® Rich Beasley at (906) 360-3879 or schedule your inspection online.
Remember, up here in the UP, we look out for each other – that’s what makes this place special!