SAN ANGELO, Texas — Fires are never planned and they always come to gatherings uninvited, according to fire officials. This is why officials want to remind the community to be safe while grilling this Memorial Day weekend.
Randy Corbin is a retired fire chief and training officer of the Menard Fire Department.
"People are cooking outside a lot more, they're enjoying their adult beverages a lot more and sometimes they forget to take care just the little precautions that they take care of every day and that's keeping flammable away from the fire and things like that. Unfortunately, it usually results in us having some calls," Corbin said.
Chris Christian is a fire inspector and investigator with the San Angelo Fire Department.
He said, "When it comes to Memorial Day weekend, we know it's a time when a lot of people will be off from work and spending time with their families and a lot of people tend to BBQ during that time. So, if you're going to, we just want to make sure that everyone is actually being safe," Christian said.
Corbin also said many people try to start their grills with regular flammable liquids such as gasoline. Corbin said this is much more dangerous and people should watch out.
Safety tips for grilling:
1. If you're using propane, make sure your propane tanks are not leaking. Make sure to also keep a good distance between the propane and the burner.
2. Keeping 10-15 feet from one's home is highly recommended.
3. Don't leave fires unattended.
4. Once one gets the fire and the barbecue started, officials said to be sure that one keeps flammable away.
5. If one is going to use charcoal, make sure it is completely out by dumping it into the water and double-checking it rather than letting the coal burn out on its own. Fire officials said coals can remain hot for hours after using them. Sometimes coal can ignite later on after one throws them in a trash bag or wherever else.
The Menard Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its annual Memorial Day BBQ Fundraiser beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday at 1001 S. Ellis St., in Menard. The station will be holding the event until briskets and barbecue plates are sold out. All money goes back to funding the volunteer fire department. Donations are also welcome.
