Outdoor chefs cook with safety in mind

By Stephen Hlawaty
Outdoors Columnist

Colorado is in a severe drought, and government bodies can impose fire restrictions as needed.

Apparently, there are some who, out of negligence or ignorance, overlook fire safety precautions. I am reminded of the motorist who, returning home from this year's Memorial Day weekend, drove with his still-burning charcoal cooker in tow, setting off small fires along Interstate 25. While no serious harm resulted from this person's negligence, lack of attention to Colorado's drought may lead to dangerous and far-reaching consequences.

Although fire restrictions in Larimer County were lifted June 28 for uncontained open fires, the ban on fireworks remains on all lands outside towns and cities.

When restrictions are in place, uncontained, open fires include, but are not limited to, camp and cook fires and those generated from welding or operating a torch. Smoking outside of a vehicle or building is also restricted. Violators of these restrictions may be fined up to $1,000 for each violation. But even under these current fire restrictions, campers and picnickers can still enjoy their favorite flame-broiled fare this summer.

Restrictions often do not include contained open fires, which means that campers and picnickers may still have fires in stationary and established metal or masonry grates. The Forest Service provides permanent fire pits at many of its campsites. Also, people may use commercially operated wood- or charcoal-fired grills or in camp stoves or grills fueled by bottled gas or pressurized liquids.

The following lists and describes some of the acceptable grills and stoves campers and picnickers can safely use this summer.

• Hibachi grills: These cast iron, space-saving grills are ideal for people who love the taste of charcoal-flavored food. Because of their compact size, these grills are great for travel, but they cannot accommodate large amounts of food.
• Weber grills: Weber grills are considered by many to be the Rolls Royce of grills. While generally considered a home-use-only grill, Weber does make a variety of portable charcoal and gas grills.
• Coleman stoves: These stoves have been a mainstay and traveling companion of camps and cookouts for over 80 years. While Colemans are primarily gas-fueled, there are a few charcoal models. Coleman stoves include single, double or triple burners.
• Gaz stoves: These backpacking stoves are ideal for campers who require stoves that burn cleanly and efficiently and require no priming. While the propane/butane canisters that fuel these stoves do burn efficiently, they are not recyclable.
• Peak 1 stoves: These low-profile stoves, while requiring some priming, provide campers with a controlled and adjustable flame that works well in any outdoor condition. Some of these, like the Apex II, can function on a variety of fuel sources, from propane, to kerosene, to gasoline.

In light of our current fire restrictions, here are a few safety tips to consider.

• Always place your grill or stove on a sturdy and flat surface. Avoid placing it under low-lying branches or near other natural combustibles. Keep a fire extinguisher or a pail of water nearby in case of accident. If cooking at night, make sure to have your cooking area properly lit. Never leave grills or stoves unattended. Extinguish all fires and allow grills and stoves to completely cool before putting them away or traveling with them.
• If you use gas grills or stoves, make sure all your lines are properly connected and not leaking.
• For those of you using charcoal, be aware that its combustion produces a lot of carbon monoxide gas, so make sure your charcoal grill is in a well-ventilated area. Never pour lighter fluid directly onto hot or burning coals and keep all flammable materials away from your grill or stove.
• Finally, use common sense when cooking outdoors; be safe, and be aware.

That said, make mine medium-rare.