Fire Mountain BBQ Safety | Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

BBQ Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

Black gas grill with dual cooking surfaces and storage cabinets

Nothing beats the smell of a BBQ on a warm day but a great cookout should always be a safe one. Whether you’re a first-time griller or a seasoned BBQ fan, these essential safety tips will help keep your food, guests, and garden safe.

1. Always Set Up Your BBQ in a Safe Location

Position your BBQ:

On a flat, stable surface
At least 2 metres away from buildings, fences, sheds, and overhanging branches
Well away from children and pets

Never use a BBQ indoors, in a garage, or inside a tent even if the weather turns bad. BBQs produce carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous in enclosed spaces.

2. Use the Right Fuel and Never Mix It

Different BBQs require different fuels:

Charcoal BBQs: use proper BBQ charcoal or briquettes
Gas BBQs: use the correct gas canister and regulator recommended by the manufacturer

Never use petrol, paraffin, or household fuels to light a BBQ. These can cause uncontrollable flare-ups and serious burns.

3. Light Your BBQ Safely

When lighting your BBQ:

Use firelighters or a chimney starter
Light it before food goes on
Keep your face and hands well clear

If flames flare up unexpectedly, step back and wait. Never lean over the BBQ to investigate.

4. Keep a Fire Safety Plan Nearby

Always be prepared for the unexpected:

Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher close by
Never leave a lit BBQ unattended
Avoid cooking in strong winds

If a fire gets out of control, call emergency services rather than trying to handle it alone.

5. Cook Food Thoroughly

Undercooked food is one of the biggest BBQ health risks.

Key tips:

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures
Chicken, burgers, and sausages should be piping hot all the way through
Meat juices should run clear, not pink

Avoid guess work. Proper cooking prevents food poisoning.

6. Avoid Cross-Contamination

Raw meat carries harmful bacteria that can easily spread.

To stay safe:

Use separate utensils for raw and cooked food
Never place cooked meat back on the plate used for raw meat
Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat

Keeping things separate is one of the simplest and most effective safety habits.

7. Be Careful with Fat and Flare-Ups

Dripping fat can cause sudden flames.

Reduce risk by:

Trimming excess fat from meat
Cooking fatty foods over indirect heat
Keeping the BBQ lid closed where possible

If flare-ups happen, move the food and don’t spray water directly onto the flames unless absolutely necessary.

8. Protect Yourself While Cooking

BBQs get extremely hot, so:

Use heat-resistant BBQ gloves
Keep long hair tied back
Avoid loose clothing

Never leave hot tools lying around, and always assume metal surfaces are hot.

9. Let the BBQ Cool Down Completely

After cooking:

Allow charcoal to burn out fully and cool
Never dispose of hot ashes in bins or compost
Turn off gas at the source, not just the BBQ controls

Hot embers can stay warm for hours and are a common cause of garden fires.

10. Supervise Children at All Times

Create a clear “no-go zone” around the BBQ and make sure children understand it. One moment of distraction can lead to serious injuries.

Final Thoughts

BBQ safety doesn’t mean less fun, it means peace of mind. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy great food, relaxed hosting, and memorable BBQ moments without unnecessary risks.

Fire up responsibly, cook confidently, and enjoy your BBQ safely.