What should you do if a grill catches on fire?

When a grill catches on fire, the most effective and safest immediate action is to turn off the burners and close the lid. This method is important because it cuts off the oxygen supply that fuels the fire, which can help smother the flames and prevent them from spreading. Closing the lid also helps contain the flames within the grill, minimizing the risk of fire escaping and causing further damage or injury.

Other responses may lead to further complications or not effectively address the situation. For example, leaving the grill to call for help leaves the fire unattended, which significantly increases the risk of it spreading uncontrollably. Pouring water over a grease fire can be extremely dangerous, as it can cause the flames to flare up and spread. Utilizing a garden hose may similarly introduce an unnecessary risk, especially if the fire is a grease fire, as water is not an appropriate extinguishing method in those cases.

Thus, turning off the burners and closing the lid is the optimal approach to managing a grill fire effectively and efficiently.