Grill Fire Injures Charles County Man After Propane Tank Explosion

INDIAN HEAD, Md. — An explosion, believed to be from a propane tank, caused a fire on Port Tobacco Road in the area of Iberia Place in Indian Head on May 16, 2024.

Fire and rescue personnel were alerted to the incident at approximately 6:15 p.m. The 911 caller indicated that a propane tank had exploded, injuring her husband, and the grill was on fire.

Upon arrival, crews found a small grill fire behind the one-story home, near the pool and away from the house itself. The fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters using a watering can. The incident occurred while the homeowner was swapping out an empty tank.

Emergency medical services evaluated the injured homeowner at the scene before transporting him by ambulance to MedStar Trauma Center for treatment of burn injuries.

Video shared by the burn victim below:

In response to this incident, we urge all grill users to review safety tips before using their grill:

• For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use.

(Watch NFPA’s video on how to check for leaks. This footage can be used as b-roll.)

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat build-up from the grills and in trays below the grill.

• Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.

• If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

• Never leave your grill unattended when in use.

Photos courtesy of the Charles County Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services.