The ABC of Safe Grilling

Estonians love grilling. Especially in summer, and especially around Midsummer.

To make sure grilling ends with good food and a pleasant time together, it is worth checking a few simple things before lighting the fire.

A – area
Place the grill on a firm and level surface. Keep it at a safe distance from anything that could catch fire due to heat, sparks or a careless movement — such as dry grass, garden furniture, textiles, firewood or other flammable materials.

B – briefing before lighting
Check which way the wind is blowing, where the extinguishing equipment is and who will keep an eye on the grill. If there are children nearby, talk to them beforehand about how close they may go to the grill and how to roast marshmallows safely, for example.

C – control until the end
Never leave the grill unattended. Even after eating, make sure that the embers and ash are completely extinguished. Never throw ash with still-glowing embers into a bin.

If a bonfire is also part of your Midsummer celebrations, check the fire hazard map before lighting it and follow any local restrictions. For a bonfire, the minimum safe distance from buildings and flammable materials is at least 8 metres, or roughly 10–13 long steps.

See also the Estonian Rescue Board’s home fire safety recommendations for the summer season.

Fire belongs to summer - but only when it stays safely under control.

Have a fire-safe Midsummer!