Got a new grill and decided to cook with it last night. We had a smorgasbord of fish and steak. It was great.

Tonight I decided to go back out there and cook again. I turned the propane tank on and started the grill. Came back inside and got a package of hot dogs. Went outside and put them on the grill. Came back in to throw away the package and grab a plate.

When I walked back outside, something didn’t look right. The flame was super bright. I could see it lighting up the house behind the grill. I went and opened the lid and turned off the burners. The flame was still there. Then, I realized what happened. The propane tank was on fire. Talk about panic setting in.

I dropped everything and ran into the house. Running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to find the fire extinguisher, my wife called 911. She also found the extinguisher. I went outside and was able to get the fire out.

The volunteer fire dept. showed up a few minutes later and after the tank cooled off, we unhooked it. After closer examination, we discovered that some mud dauber’s had started to build a nest inside the tank where it connects to the hose on the grill. So….we got it cleaned out and put back together again.

So two things here….check the hose connections to the grill before you hook it up. Apparently the mud/dirt was preventing a good seal for the propane. And second, be sure you have a fire extinguisher around and handy. Who knows when and where you may need to use it.