Detroit Fire Department urges summer safety with grilling, fire pit, and fireworks precautions

2025
  • DFD Safety Series webinar to be held Wednesday, May 14 at 6pm
  • Residents can learn live and ask questions in real-time by joining the webinar at detroitmi.gov/SafetySeries
     

As summer nears, the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) is reminding residents that warmer weather brings an increase in fire-related risks — especially from grilling, fire pits, and fireworks. To promote safe summer celebrations, DFD invites the public to join its next public Safety Series Webinar on Wednesday, May 14 at 6 p.m. This free, virtual event will cover seasonal fire safety tips, prevention strategies, and important guidelines to keep Detroiters safe.

Residents can join the event at detroitmi.gov/SafetySeries.

"Public education is one of the most important tools we have to prevent fires before they start," said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. "Our DFD Safety Series webinars give residents practical knowledge they can use immediately. We want everyone to enjoy the summer, but we want them to do it safely and responsibly."

DPD Safety Series May 25 pic1

Lt. Stacy Taylor, Sr., of Detroit Fire Department's Community Relations Division teaches District 1 resident Keith Williams about best practices for grilling safety. Mr. Williams says he grills outside as often as he can in the warmer months. 

 

Grilling Safety Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year. July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.

Key grilling safety tips include:

  • Always use grills outdoors and place them well away from homes, deck railings, eaves, and overhanging branches.
  • Clean your grill regularly by removing grease or fat buildup from the trays below the grill.
  • Check gas grills for leaks before using them each season. A soap and water solution applied to the hose can reveal bubbles that indicate a leak.
  • Never leave a grill unattended once lit and keep children and pets at least three feet away.
DPD Safety Series May 25 pic2
Keith Williams and wife Alberta remarked about how important it is for Detroiters to be educated in fire safety. They have two grills - with different fuel sources depending on their preference. They learned to pull the grills away from the home when in use.

 

Attend the DFD Safety Series Webinar – May 14 at 6 p.m.

The upcoming DFD Safety Series Webinar will offer residents a chance to hear directly from fire safety experts, ask questions, and receive helpful resources. This is part of Detroit Fire’s ongoing commitment to reduce fire incidents through community outreach and education.

"Every time we share information with the public, we’re helping someone make a safer choice," said Lt. Stacy Taylor with DFD’s Community Relations Division. "Our goal is zero preventable fires this summer — and with the community’s help, we can get closer to that."

DPD Safety Series May 25 pic3