By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – With Memorial Day weekend ahead, many people will fire up the grill for the first time this season. According to the National Fire Protection Association, grilling injuries sent more than 20,000 people to the emergency room a year between 2020 and 2024.
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Tucson Fire Assistant Chief Barrett Baker said one of the biggest mistakes people make happens before they even turn the grill on. Baker said the first step is checking the propane tank fluid level and inspecting for leaks.
“You’re going to connect here, turn on. Now we shouldn’t be smelling anything at that point because propane has a distinct smell to it,” Baker said. “If you do smell something, disconnect, reconnect, spray with the water bottle and we’re looking for leaks there.”
The next step is cleaning debris from the grill and using the side port for ignition.
“If you just put your match or your lighter through that port and then turn your air or your nozzle on at that point, that’s going to be a much smoother type of ignition,” Baker said.
Baker demonstrated how grease and flames can shoot outside the grill during cooking. He said grills should be kept at least 10 feet away from the house to prevent flames from catching on wood paneling or other parts of the structure.
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That same 10-foot zone should be kept clear of children during parties and gatherings.
Baker also recommended using long-handled utensils and avoiding loose clothing that could catch fire.
If a fire starts on the grill, Baker said to call 911.
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