8 Tips For Grilling Safely

Here's how to light up the grill without lighting up the house.

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Danny Gridley|June 21, 2016 9:28 am EST

Every year, the arrival of summer marks the unofficial beginning of grilling season. Millions of Americans wipe the dust off of the grill in eager anticipation. And who can blame them? A grill makes almost any type of food taste incredible. Whether it's burgers, vegetables, or even desserts, nothing beats the smell of freshly grilled fare. Plus, grilling is as central to summer holidays, like July 4^th and Labor Day, as any parade or fireworks.

8 Tips for Grilling Safely (Slideshow)

However, that doesn't mean that grilling is necessarily safe. In firing up the grill, users — from grill-masters to rookies trying out new tricks — are literally playing with fire. Roughly 8,800 home fires are started by grilling accidents each year, and everyone knows that the quickest way to turn your BBQ blowout into a BBQ blowup is to accidentally light your house on fire. Not only that, but you'll end up in the emergency room, longingly looking into the bright blue sky and trying to taste that spare rib and beer that would've awaited you at home, if only you hadn't been so foolish.

That's why we've decided to compile a list of eight safety tips for all those grill masters out there. Whether you're working with propane, charcoal, or even campfires, there are certain things you can do to reduce the risk of fire. Because let's face it, you're there to cook burgers, not your house.