Grilling Without Grief: Preventing Memorial Day Fire Claims

As we prepare for Memorial Day (Monday, May 25, 2026), the scent of charcoal and propane is beginning to fill the air. For many Americans, this weekend is the unofficial start of “Grilling Season.” However, according to the NFPA, May is one of the peak months for grill-related house fires. From a Homeowners Insurance perspective, a backyard BBQ gone wrong is one of the most preventable—and most expensive—claims a homeowner can file.

1. The “Siding Melt” and Your Deductible

One of the most common claims we see during Memorial Day week isn’t a total house fire, but “heat damage” to vinyl siding. Many homeowners place their grill too close to the house to stay in the shade or near the kitchen door. The intense radiant heat can warp and melt siding in minutes. While your policy covers fire and heat damage, remember that you’ll have to pay your deductible first. If the damage is $$2,500$ and your deductible is $$1,000$, that’s a very expensive burger.

2. Deck Fires and Total Loss

Decks are often made of flammable materials or treated wood. If a stray ember or a grease fire drops beneath the grill, the fire can spread undetected under the floorboards. Because decks are attached to the home, these fires frequently transition into “structure fires.” Ensure your policy’s Replacement Cost coverage is up to date, as the cost of building materials in 2026 remains significantly higher than in previous years.

3. The 10-Foot Rule

To keep your insurance records clean this summer, follow the “10-Foot Rule”: keep your grill at least ten feet away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches. Never leave a grill unattended, and always have a fire extinguisher nearby that is rated for grease fires. This Memorial Day, let the only thing that gets “smoked” be the ribs, not your house!