Memorial Day may be a fading memory, but the holiday marks the official start of summer– and the outdoor barbecue season.
July is the peak month for grill fires, accounting for 18 percent of all barbecue blazes, a spokesperson for the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) said.
The month of May accounts for 13 percent of fires and June accounts for 14 percent, the spokesperson said.
“Grilling during the summer months, or throughout the year, is a welcome sight at cookouts,” the spokesperson said. “But fire anywhere else can make your barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons.”
The NFPA offers the following tips on how to stay safe during the cookout season:
Make sure the grill is placed far away from a house or deck railings.
Place the grill away from eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep the grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup.
Do not let children or pets near the grill area.
Never, ever leave your grill unattended while you are cooking.
For more fire prevention tips, visit  www.nffa.org.
—Liz Goff