Yes, it is true. If a fire starts while grilling on a wooden deck or balcony, the fire can easily spread to the rest of the building. In fact, a study by the National Fire Protection Association found that half of both gas and charcoal grill structure fires begin on a balcony or deck! Beyond the building itself, items like furniture, drapes, and even low-hanging branches can cause a small fire to grow in a short period of time. Safety information specific to grills on decks can be found in the Safety Materials section of this website.