EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Grilling is as American as hot dogs, baseball and apple pie. With warm temperatures, the thought of firing up the grill comes to mind. The dry climate of the Mojave Desert makes Edwards susceptible to brush fires, so before engaging in this pastime with family and friends, take a few moments to ensure your grill is safe to operate.
Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should be used outdoors. The grill should be placed away from home, deck railings and out from under eaves. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grates and in trays below the grill. Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it and never leave your grill unattended.
There are several ways to get charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as fuel. If using a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Keep charcoal fluids out of reach of children and away from heat sources. There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord rated for outdoor use. When you have finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.
For propane grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a leak, determined by smell or the soapy bubble test, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. Check connections and retest. If the leak does not stop, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If you smell gas while cooking and cannot turn off the grill, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least five minutes before relighting it.
The Edwards Air Force Base Fire Prevention Section is available for questions at 661-277-3124.