Summer Grilling in Maine. What You Need to Know! [VIDEO]

Portable grills are part of summertime in Maine. They go to the lake, pond, campground, beaches and backyards too. They make roughing it tasty, but they can also be a huge fire hazard if you don’t know what you’re doing. U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 3,000 home structure fires and 5,100 outdoor fires involving grills, hibachis and barbecues every year!

Here are some important safety tips:

Check for any fire restrictions in the area you are in and know the fire danger rating. If it’s high, bag out on grilling.
Keep anything that can catch on fire, including oven mitts, food wrappers, children and pets, at least three feet away from the fire.
Keep the grill away from overhanging branches, the side of the house, garage or any other flammable structure.
NEVER leave a fire unattended and always have an adult monitoring it.
Only use lighter fluid intended for charcoal grills, and never add more lighter fluid to a fire that’s already going.
Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid to start a charcoal fire.
Empty coals into a container designed specifically to hold hot coals, it should be metal with a tight fitting lid.
Place the container outside and away from anything that can burn.
Never ever ever ever empty coals into a trash can!
Douse fires with water and make sure that the area is cool to the touch before leaving or going to sleep.