Everyone knows that we are well into spring and will soon be deep into the summer season and the usual summertime activities are going strong. One of the greatest pleasures in the warm months is of course the fine art of grilling or barbecuing. South Boston Today has received several inquiries by residents about what the rules are within the city limits as far as where grills are legally allowed to be used and where they are prohibited. In response, we did some checking and with the help of some neighbors, a post by Mr. Roy E. Rider and city officials we obtained the info some of you have been curious about. No one here at SBT is trying to tell you where or how to use your grill; that’s not for us to decide, but here are the restrictions you should be aware of. And the reason for concern is that there have been incidents of grills causing fires over the years here in the neighborhood. We live in the city and the houses are close together. An out of control grill fire could cause not only a tragedy to the people using the grills but to surrounding homes as well.
(The following does not apply to the use and storage of Natural Gas grills permitted through ISD and installed by a licensed installer in accordance with proper codes and standards but does apply to the standard type charcoal and LP (propane) grills commonly used.)
Charcoal Grills: These are not allowed to be used on top of or within a building or a structure per order of the Boston Fire Dept.
LP (propane) Grills: City of Boston regulations prohibits the use and storage of the propane tanks or containers inside or on balconies above the first floor of any building or structure used for habitation. Also, on first floor porches, decks or balconies enclosed by a roof/ceiling or other confining materials and never on fire escapes or fire escape balconies.
Boston Fire Department officials urge all to keep grills clean for safety reasons.
Well readers, these are the rules put forth by the city that some of you have been asking about. Do with this information what you wish but please, by all means, this spring and summer when using your grills; do so carefully for your own personal safety, the safety of your family and guests and for your surrounding neighbors as well.
(To view, in detail the rules and regulations and for safety tips to consider when barbecuing, you can log onto the Boston Fire Department web page at www.cityofboston/fire and go to the link titled ‘Barbecue Safety Info’.)
