Have you ever experienced an unexpected setback while grilling due to a pit boss catching fire?
If so, then you know it can be scary and overwhelming.
Fortunately, there seem to be simple steps a user can start taking to avoid or reduce the risk of your pit boss starting a fire.
Turn off the grill’s power and close the lid to prevent this from happening. If the fire becomes too big, baking soda or salt can put it out.
Take the smoker somewhere safe, away from any flammable materials.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some safety tips when operating a pit boss smoker and explain why it’s best to stay prepared for any eventuality.
No one wants their cookout ruined by a fire; read on for more insight into how to make sure that doesn’t happen!
Do Pit Boss Grills Catch Fire?
Pit Boss grills are popular among outdoor chefs because of their superior cooking power and affordability.
However, there is valid concern about the possibility of pit boss grills catching fire.
By following the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and running the device, including taking safety precautions such as monitoring gas levels and ensuring proper ventilation during use, you can greatly reduce the potential for accidental fires.
To further lower your risk of a flaming disaster, it is important to carefully inspect the Pit Boss grill regularly to look for any signs of undue wear or tear.
By taking these sensible steps and being mindful when using your Pit Boss grill, you can enjoy delicious grilled meals without much worry about making a fiery mess.
What Can Cause Your Smoker To Catch Fire?
Every year, thousands of homes go up in flames due to barbecue and smoker-related accidents.
From forgotten briquettes placed too close to combustible materials to malfunctioning heating elements, there are numerous ways that grillers put themselves at risk for a potentially catastrophic cooking disaster.
To prevent these hazards from occurring, it’s important to understand what can cause your smoker or grill to catch fire.
Failing to keep the grill clean by wiping off oils or fat can also create buildup that leads to combustion.
Be sure that any electrical connections on the burner or GrillGrate are well-maintained and inspected for burnt wires or other signs of defective wiring.
Sparking meshes and malfunctioning parts should always be triple-checked before you light your flame.
Taking the time to properly inspect and maintain your smoker will help keep you safe from fires at all times!
What Causes A Pit Boss Grease Fire?
Fires caused by grease are extremely dangerous.
If you remember being twelve years old and trying to cook bacon for the first time, only to have smoke fill the house and little flames lick the side of your skillet, you understand the terror.
Smoking can cause grease fires in your Pit Boss, and here’s how it happens:
Your smoker has a special tray for collecting drippings that are called a drip tray.
All the excess fat from your meats will drip down here.
The smoker’s structure is meant to divert the fire away from this spot.
However, if the grease tray isn’t regularly cleaned, a large buildup can occur.
One seven-pound piece of fatty pork produces enough grease for me to observe a substantial run-off.
When the grease level rises to a potentially hazardous level, it is placed in direct contact with high temperatures.
Smoker heat can rise high enough to cause a grease fire even though it is not directly exposed to flame.
Smoking, not flame broiling, is what you should be aiming for with your meats.
Once this blaze has been ignited, putting it out will be an uphill battle until you have extinguished it completely.
Also Read: How Long To Smoke A Pork Butt At 250? (Easy Guide)
What Causes A Pit Boss Pellet Fire?
1. A pellet fire is caused by a buildup of pellets in the firepot.
2. The buildup of pellets can be caused by several things, including:
- A dirty firepot
- A buildup of ash in the firepot
- Too much airflow through the firepot
- A faulty igniter
3. If there is too much airflow through the firepot, the pellets will not have enough time to ignite and will build up in the pot. This can be due to different factors, including:
- An open damper
- A cracked or broken baffle plate
- A faulty gasket
4. If there is a buildup of ash in the firepot, it can insulate the pellets and prevent them from igniting. This can be caused by the following:
- A dirty chimney
- A dirty stovepipe
- A faulty ash pan
5. If the igniter is not functioning properly, it can prevent the pellets from igniting. This can be caused by the following:
- A faulty igniter switch
- A bad igniter element
- Dirty igniter contacts
What To Do If Your Pit Boss Has Caught On Fire
If you’re trying to extinguish the flames that are erupting from your Pit Boss, you need to act quickly and calmly.
If your Pit Boss has caught fire, there are a few things you should do. These are some examples:
1- Stay Cool While Your Smoker Heats Up
Make an effort to keep your composure and stay calm.
Maintain your composure, and you will have no trouble dealing with the circumstance at hand.
2- Turn Off The Power.
If your Pit Boss has caught fire, the first thing you should do is turn off the power.
If the fire is contained and small, you may be able to use a fire extinguisher to put it out.
If the fire is large or uncontrollable, however, it is best to turn off the power and evacuate the area.
3- Evacuate The Area.
If the fire is large or uncontrollable, you should evacuate the area immediately.
Make sure to call 911 before you evacuate so that firefighters can be dispatched to the scene.
4- Use A Fire Extinguisher.
If the fire is contained and small, you may be able to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher.
However, it’s important to remember that fire extinguishers are only effective on small fires.
If the fire is large or out of control, you should evacuate the area immediately and call 911.
5- Cover The Grill With A Fireproof Blanket Or Lid.
Once you have turned off the gas, you need to smother the fire by covering it with a fireproof blanket or lid.
This will help to deprive the fire of oxygen and cause it to extinguish itself.
6- Move The Smoker Away From Potential Fire Hazards
This is the first and most important rule. It should be put somewhere that has enough room for airflow, is open, and is far away from anything that could catch fire.
7- Smother The Fire
In the event that you find yourself in a situation in which performing these steps does not result in the fire being extinguished.
You have one more choice before turning to a fire extinguisher, and that is to smother the flames.
Either a significant quantity of salt or baking soda is required to accomplish this task.
8- Call 911 If The Fire Is Out Of Control.
If the fire is out of control, you should call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to fight the fire on your own, as it could spread and cause more damage.
9- Let The Grill Cool Down Before Beginning Cleanup.
Once the fire is extinguished, you will need to let the grill cool down before beginning the cleanup.
This could take several hours, so be patient and do not try to rush things.
10- Clean Up Any Debris From The Fire.
Once the grill has cooled down, you can begin cleanup by removing any debris that was left behind by the fire.
This includes ashes, charred food, and any other burned materials.
11- Inspect Your Grill For Damage And Make Repairs As Necessary.
After you have cleaned up the debris from the fire, you will need to inspect your grill for damage and make repairs as necessary.
How to Prevent Your Pit Boss from Catching Fire?
Now that you are aware of what to do in case your Pit Boss catches fire.
It is time to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and devise a strategy to eliminate the possibility of a similar catastrophe occurring in the future.
The new update is that there are numerous methods for preventing one’s Pit Boss from bursting into flames (in the first place or again- depending on your situation).
If you follow these guidelines, you won’t have to worry about your Pit Boss catching on fire:
1- Keep Your Grill Clean.
A clean grill is a safe grill. Be sure to remove any built-up grease or debris before firing up your grill.
2- Inspect Your Grill Regularly.
Inspect your grill on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear. If you see any cracks or holes, be sure to repair them immediately. A well-maintained grill is a safe grill.
3- Use The Right Fuel.
Be sure to store your fuel in a safe place, away from your grill.
4- Avoid Using Lighter Fluid.
If you use charcoal in your grill, avoid using lighter fluid to start the fire.
Lighter fluid can be very dangerous and can cause fires if not used properly. Instead, use a charcoal chimney starter to get your coals going.
5- Don’t Leave Your Grill Unattended.
Grill fires can spread quickly, so it’s important to stay close by in case of an emergency.
6- Keep Children And Pets Away From The Grill Area.
Never leave unattended children or pets near a lit broiler.
Keep them at a safe distance until the fire has been extinguished.
7- Wear Proper Clothing.
Loose clothing can easily catch fire, so it’s important to wear something that fits snugly when grilling.
Avoid wearing anything made of synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester, as these can melt and stick to your skin in the event of a fire.
8- Have A Fire Extinguisher On Hand.
In the situation of a fire, it is critical to have a fire blanket on hand so that you may quickly put it out.
Read the instructions on how to use it because once you need it, so you’re ready in case of an emergency.
9- Know What To Do If A Fire Starts.
Once the flames are extinguished, call 911 and wait for help to arrive.
Is Your Pit Boss Ruined After A Fire?
An internal fire in your Pit Boss does not necessarily mean that you have to throw out the entire machine, despite the fact that it could seem like the end of the world.
In most cases, they are able to resist fire and will continue to operate normally, with the only noticeable damage being at the surface level.
In the event that you discover actual damage, you need only replace the affected parts rather than the smoker itself.
It is not difficult to locate parts, and they may be purchased without much difficulty.
Should your smoker emerge unscathed from this ordeal, it will do so with a visible reminder of its ordeal for the rest of its life.
Despite this, there is still a chance that the Pit Boss can be saved in the end.
The much more crucial thing you can do right now is to reflect on what went wrong and figure out how to avoid having another fire caused by a smoker in the future.
FAQs
Why Does My Pit Boss Not Smoke?
If your pit boss grill is not working, there may be several possible explanations.
The most common cause is a malfunctioning igniter that needs to be replaced or a lack of propane in the tank.
If the burner fails to light, check the fuel gauge and replace the propane if necessary.
You may also need to check your orifice for obstructions that could prevent gas from getting through; use a thin wire to clear any clogs.
Are Pellet Grills A Fire Hazard?
The safety of pellet grills is equivalent to that of any other type of barbecue.
The reason they rarely catch fire is that they are constructed similarly to the standard ovens seen in homes across the United States.
When fires start in appliances, it’s usually because of carelessness or because flammable objects haven’t been moved out of the way.
Which Pellet Grills Catch Fire Most Often?
When used improperly, pellet grills of any make or model can easily catch fire.
However, since Traeger’s founding was over a decade before Pit Boss’, you tend to hear more stories about Traegers catching fire.
It’s crucial to keep your pellet grill in good working order by following the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Final Thoughts
While it is not uncommon for a Pit Boss pellet grill to start a fire, the possibility still exists.
When used correctly, Pit Boss pellet grills offer a reasonable level of protection against injury.
It’s either a lack of hygiene on your part or an accumulation of pellets in the firepot that’s to blame if your barbecue starts a fire.
Before you use your grill, you should always give it a once over.
In the event that it keeps igniting, you should get in touch with the customer service department of Pit Boss and let them know about the problem.