Grilling Safety Tips Offered by Great Barrington Fire Department

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Chief Charles Burger and the Great Barrington Fire Department would like to remind the community to follow grilling safety tips to ensure a fire-free season as the warm weather begins to arrive.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS), Massachusetts fire departments responded to 431 fires involving grills, hibachis and barbecues between 2011 and 2015. These fires caused 20 civilian injuries, three firefighter injuries and $3.5 million in property damage.

“Warm weather means that more residents will be barbecuing and we want to make sure they do so safely,” Chief Burger said. “Please follow the safety tips provided to prevent fire and injuries this season.”

In order to prevent grilling fires and keep residents safe while cooking outdoors, Chief Burger recommends the following tips provided by DFS:

Safety First

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.

• Place grills away from the house, deck railings and out from under eaves of overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders.

• Never leave a burning grill unattended.

Gas Grill Safety

• Make sure the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.

Charcoal Grill Safety

• Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never used gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals.

• Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

• Properly dispose of grill ashes. Allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.

Anyone who has questions about grilling safely should contact the Great Barrington Fire Department at 413-528-0788.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.