Somerville fire officials are reminding residents not to use grills or smokers on porches and balconies as summer cookout season begins.
The Somerville Fire Department says charcoal, wood, and propane grills are not allowed on porches, balconies, fire escapes, roofs, or decks with a roof, overhang, or wall. Grills also cannot be used within 10 feet of a building, and propane tanks cannot be stored in or on residential buildings.
Nearly 75% of grilling fires in Massachusetts over the past 10 years occurred between May and August, according to the city. Somerville officials said older wood-frame homes built close together can allow an outdoor fire to spread quickly from one property to another.
Porch and balcony grilling rules vary by city, apartment complex, HOA, and local fire code, but the same risk applies in dense neighborhoods across the country. Flames, heat, grease, and propane equipment should stay away from siding, railings, overhangs, fire escapes, and upper-floor decks.
Porches and Balconies Are Off Limits
Somerville’s rules cover grills, hibachis, barbecues, and smokers that use charcoal, wood, or propane. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas are also prohibited anywhere in the city.
Assistant Fire Chief Sean Tierney said open flames near wooden porch frames can become dangerous quickly, especially where homes sit close to neighboring properties.
Grills Should Stay on Open Ground
The fire department says grilling should be done outdoors, at ground level, at least 10 feet from structures, and never under overhangs or tree branches.
Residents should not leave a grill burning unattended. Children and pets should be kept away from grills, matches, lighters, lighter fluid, and propane cylinders.
Propane and Ashes Need Careful Handling
Propane tanks should not be kept inside apartments, on balconies, on porches, on fire escapes, or anywhere else in or on a residential building.
Used grill ashes should be placed in a metal can, soaked with water, and covered with a tight-fitting lid. Somerville officials warn that ashes can stay hot enough to ignite combustible material long after cooking ends.
Anyone who sees uncontained flames or smoke should call 911. Somerville residents can report improper grill use or outdoor burning violations to the fire department at 617-623-1500, while homeowners and renters elsewhere should check local fire-code rules before setting up a grill on any shared, raised, or covered outdoor space.