It might be because of where he is. He may not be properly placed to interact with the inventory. Probably has to do with him being slightly above the fire, which is above the floor, and hence is above the NavMesh the game uses to identify NPC placement.
AFAIK, he is the only NPC that is being barbequed.
Enjoy the game, life is what you really want to be worried about.
PakKat "Everything was going well, until I died"
Gary Gravestink "I am glad you died, I needed the help"