LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Grilling season officially kicks off on Memorial Day weekend, and fire officials are trying to head off any potential problems with some sage advice and safety tips.
If you're using propane, don't leave it on too long before lighting. If you go with pellets or charcoal, avoid using gas or kerosene to help fire them up.
Lighter fluid is fine, but never on hot coals or an open flame, and don't soak the charcoal. The experts say don't get distracted, make sure someone is watching the grill at all times and know your surroundings.
"Make sure that you're at the proper distance away from anything that'll burn," said Warren Pughsley, an inspector with the Lima Fire Department. "Don't grill on the porch or on a balcony, don't grill where there's an overhang because heat rises, so that heat is going to accumulate. Just try to make sure that you're being as safe as possible while you're trying to enjoy it."
He adds that you should have a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby in case things get out of control. State law says open flame cooking must be at least 10 feet from any structure, and Pugsley says to move that out to 25 feet to play it safe.
