Most insurance companies have a Loss Control Team that inspects communities periodically to assess potential threats. After the inspection they send a report to the board or manager with requirements and recommendations. One of the most common, and difficult items that come up in these inspections, are the BBQ grills on the decks or too close to the buildings.
Not only does our Loss Control team see this as a significant fire danger, but local fire codes and quite possibly your own CC&Rs forbid Grills on decks. A FEMA report from 2010 estimated that on average there are 10 deaths, 100 injuries, and $37 million in property loss each year as a result of grill fires.
What Could Happen?
No matter how careful you are, or what precautions you take, having a grill on a deck or close to a building just isn’t safe. Here are some of the many fire hazards associated with BBQ grills and open-flame devices:
- Windblown grill embers near structures, especially roofs
- Careless disposal of charcoal briquettes
- Flame-ups from igniting lighter fluid under porch overhangs
- Unattended grills that tip over
- Proximity to structures or combustibles, such as draperies and window coverings, around open doors or windows
- Part failures, gas leaks, blocked tubes, cracked and brittle hoses, and overfilled propane tanks
- Fires from grills cause more than property loss — they can result in severe injury or even death
I recently had an experience where a BBQ grill on a deck caused a fire that severely damaged 6 homes and displaced 24 families. Here are some steps that HOAs and condos can take to prevent this type of thing from happening to them.
Adopt and Enforce Policies
One of the biggest challenges to implementing restrictions on BBQ grills is consistency. In many cases BBQ grill restriction are only enforced when the insurance company brings the problem to the attention of the HOA, or a fire occurs causing property damage. Let’s face it it’s tough to tell someone that they can no longer have or use their BBQ grill. By creating a policy and enforcing it consistently, you will avoid the scenario where a resident is asked to remove a grill that they have been using there for years.
Make a Way to BBQ
For many the BBQ is a tradition, and an enjoyable way to socialize with friends and neighbors. Take that away from your community and you’ll probably be labeled a Communist, Nazi or any other misused cliché you can think of. But don’t worry you may not need to get rid of BBQ all together. Here are some ideas to make that summer BBQs possible.
- Establish a safe grilling space in the common area and install permanent fixed grills for resident use
- Allow specific types of grills. For example — an electric barbecue grills bearing the mark of Underwriter Laboratory may be a safe alternative
- Where possible allow for safe exceptions. Perhaps within a safe distance of the structure and on a concrete patio. (check with your insurance company for acceptable guidelines
The fact is, the actions of one person in a condo or townhouse, can affect everyone. As a community leader or manager it’s your job to protect buildings and residents from foreseeable dangers like this
- D&O Insurance — Is Your HOA Covered? - November 28, 2016
- BBQ on the Deck? — You May Cook More Than Your Steak! - January 27, 2016
Help
Telling someone to get rid of their BBQ is like telling them to get rid of their dog. Restrictions must be clearly stated in the condominium documents and all potential buyers need to know before buying what the rules are.
Wood frame condo units usually have more fires. I also never heard of any fire sprinklers on balconies.
We use local fire code to enforce no bbqs on balconies
All buyers receive Bylaws, Declarations and Rules as part of the resale package. It’s up to them to read it.
Thank you for this post
Very important information
Here’s the scenario…
5 story concrete condo, where bottom/ground floor is houses entrance, garage spaces, individual unit storage and exercise room. ALL floors, including the bottom/ground have automatic sprinklers…. that’s every floor, including every room on every floor.
I understand and agree with the balcony restrictions; what I need to know is can I store a small gas grill in my storage unit (sprinkler protected) and remove it to the outside parking lot (at least 20 ft from the structure) to use it?