CEDAR CITY — One Cedar City couple received a scare when their supper exploded, along with the grill it was cooking on and a shed in their yard.
Cedar City Fire Department Chief Mike Phillips said the incident occurred just after 5 p.m. Monday in the backyard of a home on the 200 West block of 1600 North, near Spirit Fitness in Cedar City.
“The homeowner was cooking food using a propane grill and walked away for a short period to water his flowers and the shed blew up,” Phillips said. “It was determined that there was possibly a propane leak.”
Both homeowners and fire personnel reported no injuries, Phillips said. Cedar City Fire Department crews responding to the explosion included one engine, one squad and a heavy rescue, and 10 personnel on scene.
The homeowner’s neighbor and the man watering his flower garden put out what small flames were created by the “flash explosion.”
“The heat created a couple small fires that the neighbor and homeowner extinguished with the garden hose before our crews arrived,” Phillips said.
Cedar City Police Department provided traffic support while fire crews assessed the damage. Gold Cross Ambulance was on hand to provide assistance if needed.
Phillips added with the outdoor temperatures driving residents to prepare their meals in cooler temperatures, the incident could serve as a “learning experience” for others.
“Before firing up outdoor gas-powered grills for the first time, make sure the equipment is in good working order,” Phillips said. “Be sure there are no leaks — no hissing sounds coming from the hoses or strong gas smells. If you have any of those, shut the gas off and get the problem fixed.”
According to the American Red Cross of Utah, residents should also “always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.”
Other safety tips from the relief agency include:
- Never grill indoors — not a house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
- Make sure everyone, including pets and children, stays away from the grill.
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches and other flammable items.
- Use long-handled tools made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
This report is based on statements from court records, police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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