The Knoxville Fire Department is reminding the community of grilling safety as we head into the warmer months.

Grilling becomes more prevalent in the summer months, but it also comes with a significant fire risk. Some safety tips provided by the Knoxville Fire Department include only using grills outside, placing it well away from a home or deck, keeping children and pets at least three feet from a grill area, and never leaving your fire unattended. It is also important to be cautious when lighting a charcoal grill, as lighter fluid is highly flammable, and to make sure your hose connection is secure before igniting a gas grill. Knoxville Fire Chief Cal Wyman also reminds everyone to keep the grill grates and drip trays clean.

“The biggest thing is to keep your trays empty. A lot of the newer grills have a drip tray underneath. Keep that empty and cleaned off. Use a brush either before or after you cook on it to keep the residue from building up on it.”

Hear more about grill safety from Chief Wyman on Monday’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.