(submitted photo)

By Ronald Quaroni

grilling in the garage

Homeowner barbecuing in garage prompts firefighter response

Nov 4, 2019 | 12:00 PM

One homeowner’s ill-advised cookout is acting as a reminder to keep the barbecue out in the cold.

The Prince Albert Fire Department responded to a suspected garage fire in the 600 block of 19^th Street West, Saturday at 10 a.m. Upon arrival, crews discovered the source of the smoke was a cookout.

“It was someone barbecuing in their garage,” Deputy Chief Alex Paul told paNOW. “They just wanted to be out of the weather, a little warmer for them to cook, but when we arrived visibility was very poor in the garage because it had filled with smoke from the cooking. It’s obviously not a safe practice.”

He said crews ventilated the area, helped move the barbecue outside and advised the homeowner of the dangers on indoor grilling.

“You could have a grease flare up, have the barbecue catch fire in your garage, in which case it could burn your building down. You also have the compounded risk of the propane-fired appliance in an enclosed space. You’re breathing in that carbon monoxide that’s being released from burning the propane,” Paul said.

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He noted that once a barbecue is back outside, it’s a good idea to keep it at least one metre away from buildings. Grills too close to a home or shed can transfer heat and melt siding or cause a fire.

Paul also advised residents to avoid storing propane in enclosed buildings.

“No propane cylinders in your basement, garage or sheds. Keep them stored in a ventilated space,” Paul said.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni