Pvt. Maalik Hutchinson from Echo company, right, uses a training fire extinguisher during a presentation for Echo Company about fire safety and proper fire extinguisher use by Fire Inspector James Dansereau, left, on Nov. 4, 2011, in the parking lot ...

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL - Spring has sprung and as the thermometer continues to register warmer weather, more people will enjoy cooking on the grill. It's a national pastime enjoyed by many and is a fun way to spend time with family and friends. However, it can quickly turn into a disaster if safety procedures are not followed.

"People have to be careful when grilling out. In 2012, gas and charcoal grills caused more than 1,500 house fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association," said Mike Bailey, a fire inspector with the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Fire Department.

Bailey said the danger with using charcoal grills is improper disposal of charcoal after cooking on that type of grill. "Last year, 4,200 outdoor fires were caused by discarding charcoal improperly. Often, people take the charcoal out of the grill and put them in a bucket and leave them on the deck or elsewhere close to the house," he said. At night, the wind may blow a bit and cause the charcoal to get onto the deck or on the siding of the home, starting the house on fire.

He said charcoal fires can be avoided by simply ensuring coals are extinguished properly. "Keep them away from your house or any structure, wet the charcoal down with a hose and put them in a metal bucket or even wet them down in the grill. Close the grill lid and the coals will burn off inside," Bailey said. "When you use any barbecue grill, use it outdoors, never inside the house, under a carport or any covered area and keep it at least 10 to 12 feet away from any structure. Do not use a grill on a balcony - keep it on ground-level," advised Bailey. "The radiant heat from any grill will melt your siding and again, can set your house on fire." Also avoid grilling under trees with low branches.

He also advised to keep a three-foot safe area around the grill from others, including children and pets, to prevent burns and other personal injury. "Never leave a grill unattended - stay at the grill and supervise the cooking," he said.

"When you put coals in the grill, you want to soak them with a lighter fluid or purchase the presoaked charcoal. Light the coals then leave them alone. Don't add lighter fluid - some people do this because [charcoal briquettes] don't look like they're lit, but those coals are smoldering and a flash fire can result," said Bailey. "If you spray lighter fluid on smoldering coals, it will ignite and a lot of people get hurt that way. Also make sure you use charcoal grill lighter fluid only. Do not use gasoline."

Propane or natural gas grills burn cleaner and there is no disposal of coals involved, but there is more maintenance involved. Bailey recommended that grills be assembled by a qualified professional. "With these grills, you have to check for gas leaks in the lines and your burners," said Bailey. He said applying a soap and water solution to the hose is how to check for leaks. "If there are propane leaks, you will see bubbles released."

You shouldn't smell gas when you're using these types of grills, the fire inspector said. "Any gas will burn off while grilling. If you smell gas, cut off the grill immediately.

"I check my grill every time I refill my propane bottle, which is about once a month," said Bailey. Gas grills should be kept clean by scraping off grease and food residue after each use and emptying the drippings from the drip pan after the grill has cooled. "This pan can ignite and cause a grease fire," said Bailey.

If you have a gas grill fire, cut the gas off, if possible. If not, get away from it and call the fire department. "Also remember to turn the valve on the gas bottle off to prevent a gas leak," he said. "Store gas bottles properly outside in a well ventilated area - not inside the house, garage, shed or other structure."

With gas grills, it is also important to ensure the igniter works. "Often times, the grill's igniter will go bad and some people think it's OK to light the grill with a match or lighter, but that's dangerous and a sure way to get injured," Bailey said.

To avoid burns while cooking out on your grill, Bailey recommended using long-handled tongs, spatulas and forks and keep pot holders handy. "Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by recognized testing facilities, like Underwriters Laboratories," he said. Bailey also reminded grill chefs "never [to] leave cooking food unattended, keep the grill area clean and clear from combustibles."