Cooking outdoors always offer a great opportunity to flex your grilling skills and gather family and friends. If you want to extend your living space and enjoy longer time enjoying your backyard, then it’s a good idea to invest in a shade sail from a trusted brand like Coastwide Shade Sails.

However, no matter how sturdy and durable your shade sails are, it is generally not recommended to cook near it or under it. So how can you maximize the use of your shade sails without inadvertently creating a fire hazard? Here are some tips:

Position BBQ Pit Away From Shade Sails

You will want to create a homey, picnic area for your guests and loved ones. With this in mind, position your shade sails above your tables and not anywhere near your BBQ pit. It is also recommended to position your grill at least 10 feet away from your home and garage. 

Consider Wind Direction

You don’t want your shade sails to cause those toxic fumes not to be able to freely circulate in your grilling area. Take into account wind direction and make sure your shade sails will not get in the way in allowing air and smoke to circulate. 

Never Leave Grill Unattended

Even if you have positioned your grill well away from any fire hazards, it is always a good idea to practice caution. Never leave any flammable items near your grill and more importantly, do not leave any live fire or coals unattended. 

Avoid Grilling Under Intense Heat 

Aside from avoiding fire hazards, grilling under the summer heat is generally not a good idea with the high risk of UV exposure and heat stroke. You may want to consider pre-cooking your BBQ indoors and finishing it off on the grill for that smokey flavour. 

Be Prepared to Put Out Fire

Fire, as you may know, tend to move fast, which is why it is always a good idea to be prepared. Have baking soda on hand to effectively control any grease fire. Better yet, install a small fire extinguisher nearby. Keep in mind to avoid using water to put out a grease fire.