3/8

Grill Too Much Food at Once

It may be tempting to put as much as you can on the grill at one time, but if too much fat drips on the grill flames, it can cause a flare-up. Instead, cook your food in batches to avoid overloading the grill, particularly with fatty meats. Learn how to tune up your gas grill yourself.

4/8

Starting a Gas Grill with the Lid Closed

Lighting your grill with a closed lid can cause a dangerous buildup of gas, creating a fire ball. Keep your gas grill lid open when lighting it. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off, and wait at least five minutes before relighting.

Charcoal grill owners, you’re not off the hook. Dousing lit coals with extra lighter fluid is another big mistake, and doing so can easily cause a flare-up. Plus: 10 cool camping gadgets to take with on your outdoor adventure.

5/8

Not Being Prepared to Put out a Fire

Fires move fast, so it’s important to be prepared. Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. Remember, you never use water to put out grease fire.

“A great tool for any chef to have on hand is the free Red Cross First Aid App,” Greta Gustafson, media relations associate for the American Red Cross says. “This app puts instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies—including burns—at your fingertips.” But if you want to avoid the stress associated with a grill induced fire hazard, you can opt for a smart grill instead.