 you have to clean your grill you have to remove the grease for a charcoal grill you should always use charcoal lighter fluid that's made specifically for charcoal not any other flammable liquid or say you're using a propane grill for the first time in a while check for leaks take a soap and water solution spray it on all the valves spray it on the hoses if it's bubbling that's a sign that it could be leaking and fire is not the only risk he says grill