From OHIO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
As Ohioans prepare to come together this weekend for Memorial Day picnics and gatherings, the Ohio Department of Commerce reminds everyone to keep fire safety top of mind, whether someone is planning to fire up the grill, enjoy s’mores around a bonfire, or spend time in an Ohio park or campsite.
Warm weather means more cookouts, and while grilling is a beloved tradition, it’s also a leading source of outdoor fire accidents. The National Fire Protection Association reports that gas grills are involved in more than 9,200 home fires each year, underscoring the importance of simple, preventative fire safety steps. Specifically in Ohio, there were 119 grill fire-related incidents in 2025.
To help Ohioans enjoy the upcoming holiday with confidence, the Division of State Fire Marshal recommends the following tips:
- Set up safely: Position all grills at least three feet away from homes, garages, deck, railings, and low-hanging limbs. Do not grill in covered or enclosed areas where heat and flames can become trapped. Remove debris like leaves or nests before lighting the grill.
- Check before cooking: Always inspect the grill and fuel lines before lighting it, looking for cracks, leaks, or loose connections. For propane grills, make sure tanks are properly filled and attached securely.
- Stay present and aware: Never leave a grill unattended and make sure to keep children and pets at least three feet away from the cooking area.
- Have safety tools ready: Make sure to keep a fire extinguisher or water source nearby. If using a gas grill, know where and how to quickly shut off the fuel supply if necessary.
- Handle cleanup carefully: Clear out grease buildup. For charcoal grills, allow all coals to completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.
Memorial Day is also a popular time to go camping, but before people head out to their favorite campsite or park, here are some simple tips to stay fire safe:
- Use only designated fire rings or pits.
- Remove flammable materials from the area around the fire.
- Never leave a campfire burning unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving or turning in for the night.
- Keep water or an extinguisher nearby for quick action if necessary.
“Safe habits prevent emergencies and keep holiday activities enjoyable,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “Whether you’re cooking for family or relaxing outdoors, taking a few extra precautions can significantly reduce fire risks on Memorial Day and throughout the summer months.”
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control also reminds Ohioans to know and follow the state’s open-container laws, as well as any alcohol rules at public parks or recreation areas. If people are visiting a state park, they should be sure to follow all rules and guidelines.
If someone is hosting or attending a gathering:
- Ensure the person operating the grill stays sober, alert, and near the grill.
- Offer non-alcoholic drink choices to guests, such as water, soda, or OHLQ’s signature mocktails.
- Reduce youth access to alcohol and give guests clear choices by creating a separate drink area for non-alcoholic beverages. Monitor alcoholic beverages to ensure youth aren’t accessing it. Alcohol should never be served to individuals under 21 or those already intoxicated.
- If someone is planning to consume alcohol, the are encouraged to drink water regularly to stay hydrated, eat food to stay balanced, and always make sure to plan a safe ride home.
“Memorial Day brings people together, and we want those celebrations to be both enjoyable and safe,” said Division of Liquor Control Superintendent Jackie DeGenova. “By understanding Ohio’s alcohol laws, hosting responsibly, and planning ahead, we can all help prevent tragic accidents and ensure a safe start to the summer season.”
