Tips for a season of safe grilling

Barbecue season heats up in earnest this weekend and keeping the grill clean is just one safety issue to consider.(Thinkstock)

WASHINGTON — Barbecue season heats up in earnest this holiday weekend and keeping the grill clean is just one safety issue to consider.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends periodically removing grease or fat buildup from grills and trays below the grill.

"It can lead to issues of fires if grease isn't taken out," said Teresa Ann Crisman, community risk reduction officer for the Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department.

Crisman recalls what happened with one homeowner who didn't remove grill grease.

"They just kept grilling and grilling and grilling and that splattered onto the back of the house — instant fire — and then the side of the house went up. The stuff around it is combustible, so it just took off," Crisman said.

Other grilling safety tips include:

Never leave the grill unattended.

Only use propane and charcoal grills outside.

Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

Don't wear loosely hanging clothes while grilling.

Keep the grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from grills and trays.

Charcoal fluid should be kept out of reach of children and away from heat sources.

Let the coals cool completely before disposing them in a metal container.

To check gas grills for leaks, spray connections with a soapy solution and look for bubbles.

Several communities in the D.C. area have laws against using grills in an unsafe manner.

In Prince George's County ^[1], grills have to be at least 30 feet away from multifamily apartments.

D.C. law forbids ^[2] charcoal grills on balconies of any building that isn't a detached single family home. Grills with gas burners or tanks are not allowed on rooftop terraces, combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

And in Fairfax County ^[3] it's illegal to use gas or charcoal grills on apartment or condominium balconies.

Smell gas while cooking with a propane-fueled grill? Experts urge cooks to get away from the grill and call 911.

Follow @WTOP ^[4] on Twitter and WTOP on Facebook ^[5].