How to stay safe while grilling on the Fourth of July [Video]

SMYRNA, Ga. — As the Fourth of July festivities begin and people prepare to cook out and enjoy barbecue on a summer night, the Smyrna Fire Department is sharing safety tips to know before you fire up the grill. 

In general, the National Fire Protection Association statistics show July is a peak month for grill fires. Also, according to Smyrna Fire Lt. Evan McBrayer, there’s a high chance of grill fires going into the Fourth of July. 

McBrayer said mistakes can happen even before lighting the grill. That’s why it’s essential to check the instructions on the charcoal bag. These days, they already have lighter fluid on them. 

“They take this highly flammable already charcoal,” McBrayer said. “You add lighter to it. So, now you have this huge accumulation of flammable liquids and gasses that creates a much bigger fire than that person …