Grease from cooking food on the grill can become a secondary fuel source that sparks a fire. Experts recommend cleaning the grill regularly and cooking away from structures in order to prevent a dangerous flare up. (stockcreations/Shutterstock) Grease from cooking food on the grill can become a secondary fuel source that sparks a fire. Experts recommend cleaning the grill regularly and cooking away from structures in order to prevent a dangerous flare up. (stockcreations/Shutterstock)

Memorial Day in the U.S. marks the unofficial start of summer.

It follows that more than half of people in the U.S. find their way to an outdoor barbecue, picnic or cookout on this holiday that honors the country's 47 million wartime veterans, according to WalletHub.

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Elana Ashanti Jefferson

Elana Ashanti Jefferson serves as ALM's PropertyCasualty360 Group Chief Editor. She is a veteran journalist and communications professional. Reach her by sending an e-mail to [email protected].