Take a moment to review the Fire Marshal’s Safety Tips to Live By to help us have a fire-safe spring and summer!
Grillin’ and Chillin’ Backyard Safety Tips…
Grilling season is here again for most of us and for some, it never really ends. Whether you’re cooking chicken, hot dogs, burgers, zucchini, eggplant, roasted peppers, or anything else your heart desires, a few simple precautions can keep your cookout safe and enjoyable.
Here are a few quick reminders to keep the flames where they belong, not on your house:
- If you’re using a propane tank, make sure all connections are secure and tight before lighting the grill.
- When using charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid, stand back when igniting. Never use gasoline or any other petroleum products to start your fire.
- Check for grease buildup on and around your grill especially in the grease cup. Flare-ups aren’t part of the recipe.
- Never leave your grill unattended. (We know the Phillies are on, but still…)
- Never use your grill on or under wooden decks, and never use it on a balcony, it’s unsafe and often against local regulations.
- Keep grills at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, or shed.
- Let’s keep grilling season about good food and good company, not an unexpected visit from the fire company.
Fire Safety…
The Brookhaven Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to preventing and minimizing the impact of fires and related emergencies within Brookhaven Borough. Working alongside the Brookhaven Fire Company, we strive to maintain a high level of emergency preparedness, improve quality of life in our community, identify potential hazards, and promote safe, fire-conscious behaviors.
Fire Facts…
In 2025, there were an estimated 500,000 reported home structure fires and 2,133 associated civilian deaths in the United States. To protect yourself and your family, it’s important to understand the basic characteristics of fire:
- Fire is FAST – In as little as two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, an entire home can be engulfed in flames.
- Fire is DARK – Fire produces gases that can disorient you and make you drowsy. Instead of waking up, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Working smoke detectors are critical. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire-related deaths.
- Fire is HOT – Heat and smoke can be more dangerous than flames. Inhaling superheated air can severely damage your lungs.
Never let your guard down when it comes to fire safety.
