Grilling and Campfires

We have started the 100 days of summer filled with vacations, camping, reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. During these 100 days, however, we also see too many fires and injuries due to outdoor cooking and recreational fires. Every year, almost 4,000 Americans are injured by gas or charcoal grill fires.

Knowing a few fire safety tips and following some simple safety precautions will result in summertime fun and happy memories rather than potential tragedy. Here are a few tips to go over again:

• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, out from under eaves and overhanging branches, and any other combustible material.

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.

• Use only appropriate, approved charcoal lighting fluids and no other accelerants.

• Before you operate a propane grill, check the cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal any escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.

• If using a fire pit, avoid using soft wood (e.g., pine or cedar) that will likely pop and throw sparks. Use seasoned hardwood instead.

• Don’t build a campfire in hazardous, dry, windy conditions or if rules prohibit such fires.

See additional tips and precautions at http://1.usa.gov/GDFjCw and have a safe summer.