Labor Day weekend marks the final celebrations of summer, but local fire departments want people to be careful during cookouts.
Livingston Fire Chief Rocky Dial said the most common mistake with grills is when they are on a wooden back porch, and in close proximity to the home.
“It really depends on what they’re cooking, especially if they’re using a charcoal grill,” Dial said. “You’ve got the drop-down ashes from the charcoal grill, and the initial lighting of it, if they do it the old-fashioned way with spraying it with lighter fluid, it flames up pretty good.”
Dial said there a similar concerns with a propane grill. He said the most important thing is to not let the propane run for long before lighting the grill. The longer you wait, the more likely it is to create a dangerous situation.
When it comes to pets and kids in the vicinity, Dial said the best practice is to keep them clear out of the way of the grill. He said not only could they be a danger to themselves, but they also could run the risk of knocking a grill over and starting a fire.
“Be mindful of the weather outside, especially if it’s going to be as hot as they say it’s going to be,” Dial said. “Just be mindful, be safe, and enjoy the weekend.”
