Show me your grill Published May 6, 2009 By Eric Garlow 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- A fire in a barbecue grill, laden with hot dogs and hamburgers, is a welcome sight at many family cook outs. But fire anywhere else can make your summer gathering famous for all the wrong reasons. In 2008, gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 600 home structure fires and 3,200 outdoor home fires. Charcoal fueled or other solid-fueled grills caused an estimated 300 home structure fires and 300 outdoor home fires. These fires resulted in a property loss of more than $30 million. Charcoal grills have a higher risk of death due to unvented carbon monoxide. Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are two leading causes for charcoal grill home structure fires. When purchasing starter fluid, make sure it's the proper type to avoid flare ups. Starter fluid should keep out of reach of all children at all times. Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited and never use any liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going. The new safety standard for propane tanks requires that an "over-fill prevention device" be installed on new gas tanks. The new propane gas tanks have handles with three "lobes" to identify newer tanks while older tanks have valve handles with five "lobes." Older propane gas tanks should be traded for new, safer tanks. Hoses connecting the propane tank to the grill should be checked before the first use of the year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. If bubbles are present, turn off the tank and have a professional inspect it. Keep barbecue grills clean and free of grease buildups. If accumulated grease deposits catch on fire, use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire; never use water to put out a grease fire. Never start a gas grill with the lid down. The propane or natural gas may accumulate inside if the lid is down, and when ignited, it could blow the lid off rather dramatically. Always shut off the valve to propane tanks when not in use. Never wear loose clothing that might catch fire if the flames suddenly flare up. If your clothes catch on fire, drop to the ground and roll. This will smother the flames out. During a situation involving a fire, the following steps should be taken: · Evacuate the area immediately. · Dial 911 from another house or building. · Provide the dispatcher with complete information; do not hang up until told to do so by the dispatcher. · Do not go back into the fire area for any reason. · Meet the first arriving fire truck on scene and provide information.