BBQ Grease Fire **HELP **

[Indy Smoker]

Please help a fellow smoker out. . . (digital model)
Today I was finishing up the first of 2 rounds of Boston Butt, when my thermometer buzzed stating I was at my desired temp I checked on the smoker.  To my surprise there was more smoke than should have been and there was a small grease fire in the unit.  I quickly removed the V tray and the fire and removed the meat and went to the FTC stage.  I cleaned up the mess and started with the next round of BBQ.  This time my temp never went above 110 F.  I completed the 4 hour smoke and moved the remaining butts to the oven to finish. 

My smoker will now not get above the 100 degree mark.  Did I burn the element??
Trip the hi-temp sensor??  What do I need to do to get back up and running again ???
I read about the hi-temp sensor but cannpot find any more info about it, if it must be replaced or if it trips back when cooled.

I also ran the smoker for 4 hours with my butts and then went to the oven - I have never done this before.  Will they recover and be OK ????

Any help is appreciated.

[classicrockgriller]

Sent you a PM.

[Habanero Smoker]

I know this is too late to help you, but may help others in the future.

If you are only getting to 100°F, you may have tripped or burnt out the high temperature switch, which shuts off the power to the element. If it just tripped the switch will reset once the cabinet cools down. Sometimes holding an ice cube to the sensor will help reset it. The sensor is that circular disk that is inside the cabinet, located on the top left.

If it doesn't reset you will need to replace it, and as a precaution replace the in-line fuse. You have to take of the back to get access to both.

When smoking/cooking fatty meats (especially when they have a heavy sugar based rub); when you change the water always check the drip pan (V tray). The drippings from the meat can build up and block the vents; which can cause a fire. I alway keep a 2" metal putty knife next to the smoker to scrape the drip pan when needed, and an empty food can to put the scrapings in.

Also if you suspect a fire, never open the door.

Fire in The Bradley

[ghost9mm]

Really good information you posted Hab...sometimes this type of information needs to be reposted to help remind people of the mistakes that can get you into trouble....well done...

[Indy Smoker]

All I can say is WOW !!
Talk about a quick response and help from the members !!

A few minutes after my original post I received a PM from Classicrockgriller to give him a call. We talked a bit and he already spoke with Southernsmoked who had the parts I needed to get back up and running.  I met Southernsmoked the next day and he gave me the parts and some new biscuits to try.  I can't thank you guys enough, you have no idea how much I appreciate your help and quick response.
-Mark, you'll have to let me know what you think of the brats.

Habs - Thanks for the advice on the putty knife, I will be adding this to 'smokebox'.  I read others that posted about grease fires and have never had an issue til this one.  Live and learn.

Glad to be making some new friends !!

Today I hope to be installing the parts and be back in business. . . .I'll post my results.

All I can say is . . . . .S -S- S- S- S-SMOKIN' !!

[classicrockgriller]

Glad I could Help, but Mark is the hero of the hour.

That is just the type of Guy he is. Always willing to lend a hand.

This Forum and this World are better places because of people like Him.

[SouthernSmoked]

I met up with Indy Smoker(Gary) yesterday around noon and traded some parts for sausages.

Gary is a great guy and it was awesome meeting him briefly. Look forward maybe getting together at a later time.


Will be trying later today or tomorrow.
Thanks Gary!

Note to Sonny...it's people like you that make this the best forum online today. Keep it up!

[Indy Smoker]

The operation was a success (sort of)

I was agreeing with Southernsnoked that the issue was with the inline fuse.  So when I got the back off and the wires situated I removed the inline fuse wire from the heating element and wired the new one with things still taken apart - this way I could tell if this was my issue or not.  The element came back to life - now's when it gets interesting.  I spliced the wires and had the fuse situated, had one heck of a time with getting the element back in its proper location.  While I fought this situation I managed to break one of the porcelin conductors - that's why the sort of.  Since I needed new porcelin, I decided to order a new inline fuse for the DBS with the longer cord, essentially replacing my splicing which I for some reason just feel better about.  Anyway I got the parts, put everything back together and the DBS lives again for many future smokes.

I have to say that the whole process was a LOT easier than I was anticipating.  Now I feel like a seasoned veteran and am ready to tackle replacing any needed parts whenever I may need to. 

Thanks again to Sonny & Mark !!

Mark - the brats ??  the brats ??

[SouthernSmoked]

Hey Gary, glad to hear that you are back up and running.

Tried the Maple Brats the other day and I have to say....

Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Gooood!

[Indy Smoker]

I'm glad to hear you liked them.  And I have to agree

MMmmmmmmm MMmmmmm Gooood :D