Quick and dirty: Yesterday my next door neighbor came over to voice his concern about the smoke from my bbq... i've been bummed out and wondering best course of action ever since. Advice desired on how I might deal with situation in general, and better control smoke during initial lighting of coal (I use chimney, kingsford briquettes and newspaper).
Background:
I've lived in my current home for 2 years now and have grilled on my Weber kettle from day 1, in the same spot in my back yard. Neighbor has lived next to me the entire time. Distance between my grill and the windows in his home ~100 feet. I use a starter chimney, with standard Kingsford briquettes and a bit of newspaper to get it started.
Yesterday was the first time I've actually talked to this particular neighbor. They are... reclusive to say the least. I've never had issue with them before yesterday.
Interaction with neighbor:
Neighbor came over just about the time the coals were all hot in the chimney and ready to be distributed in the kettle, to cook dinner. He was cordial during our chat, but started by asking me if I had been burning something in my backyard all day (I grilled pizzas for lunch earlier in the day).
I said no, but I am about to grill dinner. At this point he proclaimed that the smoke bother's his wife who has lung issues (totally receptive to this issue, and would like to appease if possible) and they had to close window. I was concerned, and asked if it had been an issue in the past as well, he said yes but they simply ignored it. At this point he requested I move my grill... which I could move farther back by say 25 feet, but it would still be in line with his house if the wind was blowing that way (which it generally goes to opposite direction).
So long story short, have anyone else had to deal with a neighbor complaint about smoke? Is there any insight on how I can cut down on smoke during initial starting up of the coals? I don't believe (although I forgot to ask) that it is a issue the entire cook, just that first 5-10 minutes. I'm annoyed but also want to be a decent neighbor and not develop any long term grudge between us... especially since we share a property line.
I certainly don't have plans to stop grilling... if anything I plan to increase my time outside around the kettle! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.