by Rich Harrington

Created on: March 14, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

I bought our first gas grill as a Fathers Day gift to myself on sale from a close out store. I didn't know if we would use it that much, but we found it was a great way to enjoy summer, fall, late fall, almost into winter, then early spring, spring and so on. It was great. I love to grill. I found things to grill that I thought might not work on a grill. We eat well on a grill.

My in-laws come up from North Carolina twice a year to spend a couple of weeks with us and I like to get the grill going. We bought them a grill, but they aren't into it so I like to try and show them how easy it is to get it going and have hamburgers or corn off the grill quick and easy. Well, until one day.

My wife said, "let's just grill some burgers for dinner with the folks". Don't have to ask me twice, I went out and fired up my old grill. It had been about five or six years since we bought it. It was showing some rust and wear. But it worked. Well it was working.

I lit it up and went back in to get the burgers ready etc. I knew it didn't take that long to get nice and hot. So I hustled the bugers and opened the patio door and saw something I don't think is right. Flames were licking up the front of the grill. Pretty high.

They were coming from the bottom, where the explosive propane tank and curving up to the front of the grill. I think I stood there a moment, with a "That ain't right" look on my face and realized that a grill with a flame that isn't where it supposed to be very near a hose with a propane tank attached is at best dangerous.

Finally, I reached over and turned off the burners which stopped the flame up the front. I freaked for a moment and then thought to turn off the propane, sort of shutting the barn door after the horses have left. I had another short freak out moment and went back inside.

It is difficult to tell your wife that you were this close to having the patio blown off the back of the house. I just calmly said,"I think we will have to cook these inside, the grill caught on fire". Of course she had to see what I meant. As did my father-in-law. As did my youngest kid. All were amazed.

The next day, we bought a new grill. As I tore apart the old grill, I'm amazed it didn't go up like a fireball. There was so much worn out in hoses and connectors.

So to answer the question when do I get a new grill, my answer is, before it catches on fire.

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