How to Keep Your BBQ Flame-Free

June 29, 2007 — -- With temperatures rising and the Fourth of July just days away, backyard barbecues are lighting up all over the country.

But grilling isn't always a picnic. The National Fire Data Center estimates barbecue grills cause more than 6,000 fires, 170 injuries and five deaths every year.

"It is a real danger," said Tom Carr, Maryland's Montgomery County fire chief. "We see injuries and fires as a result of not respecting the grill."

Mary Kay Welch, a mother of one from Fairfax, Va., knows the dangers of grilling all too well. She lost her home in a fire caused by a neighbor's unattended gas grill.

"The speed of the fire was very dramatic," Welch said. "The end unit was completely gone ... It was obliterated."

Another gas grill fire, this one in North Carolina, destroyed two homes. Firefighters say the danger can stem from propane tanks, which can rupture and catch fire in the hot summer sun.

Grill Safe This Summer

On "Good Morning America," consumer correspondent Elisabeth Leamy offered tips on how to prevent fire hazards while grilling this summer.

Ever get impatient when the charcoal grill isn't lighting up fast enough? Don't try to solve the problem by throwing on more lighter fluid -- that can spark a wall of flames.

Most gas grill fires are caused by gas leaks, blocked tubes and overfilled propane tanks, so always check the hoses and valves and make sure all connections are tight before turning on the gas. According to the National Fire Protection Association, leaks can be detected by dabbing the connections with a solution of soapy water and turning on the gas momentarily. If bubbles occur, it means there is a leak that must be fixed before the grill is used.

Knocking over a grill may seem like nothing more than a klutzy move. But if the grill is lighted, it can ignite grass or wood chips and spread flames all over the backyard. Don't keep any flammables near the grill, and don't wear loose clothing while cooking.

Never turn the gas on ahead of time or with the lid closed. If you do, the propane can accumulate inside, and blow up in your face.

Barbecues placed too close to walls or fences also pose a hazard. House siding can start melting or even catch fire when the grill is in action.

It's a good idea to keep a spray bottle, garden hose and a fire extinguisher near your grill in case a fire does occur. But always call 911 immediately if a fire sparks.