Grilling safety is prioritized at Crotona Park for the Fourth of July
Crotona Park is one of 10 designated barbecue areas across The Bronx, each with safety measures in place.
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Bronx residents gathered at Crotona Park on Friday to celebrate the Fourth of July with barbecued foods like hot dogs and burgers, while keeping fire safety in mind.
Dennis Anthony, traveled from Glens Falls to oversee the grill at his family cookout.
“Hey, that’s just one of the costs of being the boss,” Anthony said.
Crotona Park is one of 10 designated barbecue areas across The Bronx, each with safety measures in place. Grills are at least 10 feet away from trees to prevent fires. Anthony stays prepared for any emergencies.
“I always make sure I have something to put out a flame if it gets out of control,” he said. “We keep water and sand nearby.”
Before starting the grill, Anthony ensures any leftover ashes from previous cooks are cleared. He said this is important not only for health reasons but also to avoid any residual flammable substances.
“I make sure there are no ashes from the last person, in case they used something I’m not familiar with that could catch fire,” he said.
The ashes are disposed of in designated red barrels labeled for coals across the park. Once ready to cook, Anthony remains with a watchful eye.
“I always keep a close eye on the grill, especially to make sure no children are running around the area,” he said.
As the food sizzled, Anthony acknowledged what was most important.
“The most important thing, other than avoiding a fire, is making sure the food is excellent,” he said.
For more barbecue safety tips, click here.
