Fire officials warn barbecuing on the Fourth of July could be dangerous if proper precautions aren?t taken seriously.

Before firing up the grill, you should make sure you?re barbecuing safely. Always have a fire extinguisher and a bucket of water on hand, officials say. Baking soda is also something that can put out a grease fire.

When grilling, make sure your tools are long enough to reach the whole cooking surface. Fire officials also advise avoiding long clothes that could catch on fire.