Open Flames and Grilling Safety

Open Flames

Reason

Open flames and cooking appliances pose a significant risk of fire and injury, especially within residential buildings or near dry landscaping. These procedures are in place to ensure that any fire used on university land is strictly controlled, properly placed, and monitored to prevent accidental property damage or loss of life.

Code

If you need code citations for a specific item, contact your campus fire safety inspector/Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Procedure

General Restrictions

• [ ] Do not light or use any fire—including candles, incense, torches, or sky lanterns—inside university buildings or on university land unless the area is specifically established for that purpose.
  
• [ ] Use only approved devices for lighting pilot lights, such as cigarette lighters or matches.
  
• [ ] Ensure any work involving welding or cutting follows the separate University Hot Work procedures.
  
• [ ] Limit the use of cooking appliances to usual commercially-made devices like kitchen ranges or approved grills.
  

Safe Grilling Practices

• [ ] Keep all grills at least 10 feet away from any building or structure.
  
• [ ] Operate grills only in open, outdoor areas; never use them inside buildings, tents, or on balconies.
  
• [ ] Position the grill so that smoke does not enter any nearby buildings.
  
• [ ] Ensure the grill is placed on a paved surface or at least 24 inches above combustible surfaces like grass.
  
• [ ] Provide protection to prevent grease from dripping onto tables or the ground.
  
• [ ] Use the grill only for the purpose of cooking food.
  

Fuel and Waste Management

• [ ] Store Liquid Propane (LP) gas cylinders outside; do not bring them inside any residential building.
  
• [ ] Dispose of charcoal residue only after it is completely cold to the touch.
  
• [ ] Use a noncombustible metal vessel (like a metal barrel) for ash disposal if multiple grills are being used.
  

Inspections and Assistance

• [ ] Confirm your grill is in good condition and ready for a potential inspection by your campus fire safety inspector/Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
  
• [ ] Contact the Fire Safety & Loss Prevention division of IU Public Safety with questions.