Department of Public Safety
Fire Safety
Fire Safety

Barbecues

Permits

  • A permit is required from the Fire Marshal’s office in accordance with local and state Fire Prevention Regulations for any barbecue grilling that uses charcoal, wood, or propane/butane fuels.
  • Only organizations sponsoring an event are permitted to apply for and obtain a permit.
  • There is no fee for the permit.
  • Request for a permit may be made by phone, at 617-627-2745, or e-mail FireMarshal@tufts.edu.
  • Required information for the permit is:
    • name of the person representing the organization
    • name of organization
    • location of the event
    • date and time of the event
    • rain date (if applicable)

Barbecue Safety Precautions

One person shall be responsible for the barbecue and will ensure that all of the following guidelines are adhered to:

  • No open fires are permitted.
  • Make sure toddlers and young children are kept at a safe distance.
  • Individual barbecues are not allowed to be used on any campus.
  • All barbecues shall be at least 10 feet from any structure.
  • Grills may not be used above ground level. This means that no barbecues may be placed on porches, balconies, or roof decks.
  • Charcoal and wood barbecues:
    • Use only approved starter fluids.
    • Never add fluid to a fire once it has been started. Even a smoldering fire can cause the fluid to ignite and follow the stream back up into the can. Never use gasoline.
    • If you are using charcoal, the coals must be extinguished with water and left until the next day before disposal. Do not empty coals onto or near combustibles.
  • Propane-fueled barbecues:
    • Make sure the connecting hose is not crimped.
    • Check all connections, hoses, regulators, and grill connections for leaks. If you smell gas, shut off the valve at the tank.
    • Keep the cylinder out of direct sunlight. The added heat increases the pressure inside the cylinder.
    • Never place a propane cylinder on its side. Propane tanks contain liquid (and gas). Laying the cylinder down can cause a serious liquid leak. The liquid, when converted to a gas, expands 20 times in volume and has the explosive force of about 20 sticks of TNT.
    • Never store a propane tank inside a house, basement, or garage. A minor leak in the tank can cause a major explosion.