Grilling guide

Manhattan | Queens | Brooklyn | Bronx | Staten Island | Grilling gear | Grilling tips

Outdoor grilling tips

FDNY lieutenant Anthony Mancuso honed his razor-sharp grill reflexes feeding a firehouse full of men. Below are his tips on how to avoid torching yourself—the burgers are another story.

• Pile charcoals high and cover them in lighter fluid.

• Don’t get lighter-fluid happy (pour for two to three seconds).

• Stand back to light the grill, unless you have a shaman’s endurance for hot coals.

• Pay attention while you grill; you don’t want to be midmonologue while a small volcano erupts in your face.

• After you’re finished grilling, let the coals cool completely.

• Don’t go for the water if the fire starts flaring. It’ll knock out the fire, but could give you a steam burn.

• Dial 911 if it gets out of control.

• Don’t do anything that would piss off Smokey the Bear and you’re in the clear (go to smokeybear.com for a refresher course).