Super Bowl LX is here! Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. With the big game right in the Bay Area, many Sacramento and East Bay homeowners are planning epic watch parties complete with backyard BBQs, burgers, ribs, and wings.
Nothing beats grilling while cheering on your team — but game day BBQ safety matters. BBQ and grill fires can quickly turn a celebration into an emergency requiring fire damage restoration in Sacramento or the East Bay.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grills are responsible for thousands of home fires each year, often due to grease buildup, unattended cooking, or improper placement.
In Northern California, where dry conditions, valley winds, and crowded patios are common during football parties, outdoor cooking fire safety requires extra caution.
At Lawton Construction & Restoration, we’ve helped many local families recover from fire and smoke damage after preventable grill accidents. Our IICRC-certified team knows how fast small flare-ups can escalate into major losses requiring fire and smoke damage restoration and insurance coordination.
Follow these practical tips to keep flames under control and focus on the game.
Why BBQ Fires Increase During Super Bowl Parties
Game day excitement creates distraction: cheering, hosting guests, and multitasking between the grill and TV.
NFPA data shows grills start over 10,000 home fires annually — many involving propane or charcoal units left unattended or placed too close to structures.
In the Sacramento Valley’s dry air or East Bay’s breezy hills, embers can travel quickly, increasing backyard fire risk during large gatherings.
Common causes of watch party grill fires include:
- Forgetting the grill while watching a big play
- Grease buildup from pre-game prep
- Kids or pets near the hot grill
- Using grills on decks or too close to siding
Preventing these risks keeps your home safe and your party going strong.
Essential BBQ Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners
Follow these NFPA-recommended steps tailored for Sacramento & East Bay backyards:
1. Place the Grill Safely
Set up your grill at least 10 feet from your home, deck railings, eaves, or overhanging branches.
If you’ve ever wondered how far a grill should be from a house, fire safety experts recommend a minimum 10-foot clearance.
Use a flat, stable surface — never directly on wooden decks without a fire-resistant mat.
Wind exposure in East Bay neighborhoods or open Sacramento properties can carry sparks toward structures.
2. Never Leave the Grill Unattended
Whether using a propane grill or a charcoal grill, never leave it unattended while lit.
Assign a “grill captain” to monitor cooking while others watch the game.
Turn off the grill if stepping away — even briefly.
3. Keep It Clean
Grease buildup is one of the leading causes of grill fires.
Remove fat and residue from:
- Grates
- Drip trays
- Catch pans
Regular cleaning reduces flare-ups and supports safer backyard grill safety practices.
4. Check for Gas Leaks (Propane Grills)
Before lighting, inspect hoses and connections.
A simple way to detect leaks:
- Apply soapy water to the lines
- Look for bubbles forming
If found, shut off the tank immediately.
Practicing propane grill safety helps prevent gas buildup explosions.
Always open the lid before ignition.
5. Handle Grease Fires Properly
Knowing what to do if a grease fire starts is critical. Never use water — it spreads flames violently.
Instead:
- Turn off the heat
- Close the lid
- Use baking soda or salt
- Use a Class B or ABC extinguisher
Keep extinguishers nearby and remember PASS: Pull • Aim • Squeeze • Sweep
6. Create a Safe Zone
Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away. Loose clothing, décor, or sports banners can ignite quickly. Declaring a “no-play zone” supports safer outdoor cooking fire safety.
7. Charcoal Grill Safety Extras
For charcoal units:
- Use approved lighter fluid only
- Never use gasoline
- Never add fluid to lit coals
Let ashes cool up to 48 hours before disposal in a sealed metal container. Practicing charcoal grill fire safety prevents post-party flare-ups.
8. General Party Prep
Before kickoff:
- Test smoke alarms
- Stage indoor extinguishers
- Avoid impaired cooking
Staying alert is one of the simplest football party safety tips homeowners can follow.
For additional backyard grilling safety guidance, the National Fire Protection Association provides a printable safety checklist covering grill placement, grease cleanup, propane leak detection, and charcoal disposal best practices.
What to Do If a BBQ Fire Damages Your Home
Even with precautions, accidents happen. Grill fires can cause:
- Structural fire damage
- Smoke and soot contamination
- Odor penetration
- Water damage from extinguishing
If this occurs, immediate emergency fire damage repair is critical. Delays allow soot corrosion, smoke odor embedding, and even mold growth from suppression water.
Professional smoke odor removal and soot cleanup services ensure damage doesn’t worsen.
Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration in Sacramento & East Bay
Lawton Construction & Restoration provides:
Our team delivers 24/7 fire damage response in Sacramento and the East Bay, helping homeowners move from disruption to resolution quickly.
Enjoy the Game Safely
Practicing smart Super Bowl BBQ fire safety protects your home, guests, and property.
If you experience fire, smoke, or water damage, Lawton Construction & Restoration provides 24/7 emergency service across Sacramento, Roseville, Oakland, Walnut Creek, and the East Bay — helping restore lives when it matters most.
Call Lawton Construction & Restoration 24/7 at (916) 655-9731 or email us at: help@lawtoncr.com.
We’re local. We’re family-owned. And we’re here to get your home safe, dry, and fully restored!
