Fire

Keeping fire where it belongs is another way to keep grilling safe.

You know this already, and don't need to hear it again, but I'll repeat it just to cover all the bases: don't put water on a grease fire. That just spreads the grease, and the fire. It may be possible to put out the fire by covering it with something fireproof, like a pot lid or metal pan.

If the fire and the supply of fuel is small enough, and there is positively no danger of it spreading or damaging anything, it may be safe to let it burn itself out. If you have to, use a fire extinguisher.

Then there was the time that a drop of flaming grease fell from the grill and onto dry leaves. The leaves caught fire, igniting the leaves around them. At this point, my daughter helpfully pointed out that my shin would soon be turning medium-rare, if steps weren't promptly taken.

By this time the fire didn't involve grease, so I used water to extinguish the fire, and to soak the surrounding area.

I then resolved to never, ever, let plant waste accumulate around a grill again.

Next: Extreme Safety: Above and Beyond the Call of Reason

Or: How to Grill

Copyright © 2005-2010 Brian H. Gill