10 Things That Should Never Be Stored Near Your Grill

A grill can go from “fun summer dinner” to “backyard hazard” way faster than you think—especially when things are stored too close. Most folks don’t realize how much heat, grease, and flame a grill can throw off even when it’s being used properly. And that’s not counting flare-ups or the occasional wind gust.

Keeping the wrong items nearby doesn’t just increase your risk of fire—it can also damage your stuff, attract pests, or mess with how your grill performs. These are the things that should never be stored anywhere near it.

Propane Tanks Not in Use

Extra propane tanks should never be stored right next to your grill. If a fire starts and there’s another tank close by, you’re stacking the risk. Even a quick flare-up could heat the spare tank enough to make things dangerous fast.

Always keep extra tanks at least 10 feet away and upright, in a well-ventilated spot. If you’ve got a backup for your grill, it’s smart to have it—but not smart to park it right underneath the cooking area or next to the active tank.

Firewood or Kindling

It might seem handy to stash your firewood pile close to the grill, but it’s a bad combo. Dry wood catches fast, and even a small ember can cause a fire to spread quicker than you’d expect.

If you use a smoker or fire pit too, keep those supplies stored far enough away that a stray spark or gust of wind can’t cause trouble. A pile of dry wood stacked next to a grill is an accident waiting to happen.

Lighter Fluid or Charcoal Bags

Lighter fluid is extremely flammable, and it doesn’t take much heat to ignite the vapors. Charcoal bags can also catch quickly—especially if they’ve been opened or stored in a damp spot.

Keep these supplies in a dry, shaded area well away from the heat. Even better, store them in a bin with a lid to avoid flare-ups, moisture damage, or pests trying to nest in them.

Plastic Storage Bins or Deck Boxes

Plastic and high heat don’t mix. A grill in use radiates more heat than you might think, and plastic bins nearby can warp, melt, or even start to burn if they get too hot.

Deck boxes are especially risky if you’re using a gas grill and the lid is open for long periods. Always give your grill several feet of clearance in all directions, and skip storing anything plastic nearby.

Outdoor Cushions and Pillows

Outdoor cushions are often made with synthetic fabrics and foam—both of which are flammable. Even if they don’t ignite, they can trap grease and heat, which can damage them over time.

If your grill’s on a patio near seating, make sure you move the cushions when cooking. It’s easy to forget, but keeping them out of the way is the safer bet. Plus, they’ll last longer without soaking up smoke and heat.

Hanging Towels or Aprons

Tossing a towel over the side of the grill or hanging an apron nearby might seem harmless, but fabrics can ignite in seconds if they’re too close to the flame.

Even if it’s a gas grill and the flames are controlled, hot surfaces can still set things off. Always hang anything flammable—like towels, mitts, or aprons—well away from the heat source once you’re done using them.

Bug Spray or Cleaning Products

Aerosol cans and high heat are a terrible combo. Storing bug spray, lighter cans, or even grill cleaners near your grill can lead to a dangerous situation if the temperature rises enough to pressurize the can.

Even if you think it’s shaded or out of direct heat, it’s not worth the gamble. Always move these products inside or to a shaded cabinet away from the grill zone.

Trash Bins or Bags

Trash bins often contain flammable material, grease-soaked paper towels, or even leftover charcoal. Placing them near your grill can make it easier for a stray ember to spark something it shouldn’t.

Always position trash bins several feet away, especially if you’re cooking greasy food or using open flame. The same goes for temporary trash bags—don’t drape them on the side of your deck or hang them from the grill.

Insect or Rodent Bait Stations

It might sound unrelated, but placing traps or bait stations too close to the grill can actually attract pests. The scent of food from the grill combined with bait chemicals nearby can confuse or draw in animals.

Keep all pest control tools a decent distance from your cooking setup. You want your grill area to stay clean, clear, and free of anything that invites critters or creates an accidental fire hazard.

Gasoline or Power Tool Fuel

This one should be obvious, but it still happens. Never store gasoline cans or fuel mixes for lawn equipment near your grill area. The fumes alone can ignite if there’s a spark.

Even if you’ve got a designated garage or shed nearby, make sure there’s no crossover between fuel storage and your grilling station. A hot afternoon is all it takes to turn a careless setup into a serious problem.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.