For over one million years, mankind has held a strong fascination with flames, sometimes with painful consequences. But some good things have come from playing with fire, including one of the most popular styles of cooking in the world.
Grilling has a long and colorful history in our country. It took centuries of experimentation and innovation to find the perfect way to grill up juicy cuts of meat without burning the food — or the cook and surrounding property — in the process.
Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and that means families will be lighting their grills in parks and backyards all over the country. In recognition of this beloved American weekend, today we dive into the long history of grilling in our country, and how you can stay safe at your upcoming grill-out.
Humble Beginnings
Unsurprisingly, it all started with colonization. When Spanish conquerors came to the Caribbean, they observed the native people of Hispaniola, the Arawak tribe, cooking meat over fire on a frame of sticks, according to Popular Mechanics. This style of slow-cooking was dubbed barbacòa by the Spanish conquerors, who took this method back home.
Of course, propane grills carry their own risk of fire. Over 7,000 gas grill fires occur every year, according to the U.S. National Fire Prevention Association, many of which are a result of leaking propane or improper use.
For your safety, be sure to always keep the lid open after you turn on your propane gas, and don’t wait for gas to build up before lighting your grill. This can create a dangerous explosion due to the buildup of gas.
Don’t Get Burned this Memorial Day
No one expects the worst during a fun summer grill-out, but accidents do happen.
Over half of grill fires on residential properties occur in the four-month span between May and August, so whether you’re a grilling newbie or a pitmaster, make sure to brush up on your grill safety tips before Memorial Day weekend rolls around.
If you have a fire on your property], whether it was caused by a grill, appliance, or faulty wiring, our attorneys may be able to help. Fill out our free, no-risk case evaluation form to learn more today.