EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 With Memorial Day weekend in motion, El Paso fire marshal officials are urging residents to take extra precautions, from safe grilling practices to staying alert on the roads.<\/p>\n
Carlos Ornelas, a captain with the El Paso Fire Marshal\u2019s Office, said the holiday weekend brings \u201ca big umbrella\u201d of concerns, including traffic safety, fire safety, and drinking and driving.<\/p>\n
Ornelas said the department typically sees more traffic during Memorial Day weekend and an increase in crashes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do see an increase in vehicle traffic\u2014traffic accidents are unfortunately on a rise during the weekend,\u201d Captain Ornelas said.<\/p>\n
He added that emergency calls tend to rise overall.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a wide range of emergencies we see; we do see an increase of calls in general on the weekend,\u201d Ornelas said.<\/p>\n
Ornelas also urged residents planning to grill to be careful with charcoal and grease. He warned that charcoal ashes can remain hot for an extended period and should be disposed of responsibly. Ornelas recommended using a metal trash can for ashes and leaving it outside for a couple of days to ensure they have cooled off.<\/p>\n
For those using a gas grill, Ornelas said it is important to take time to clean off excess grease.<\/p>\n
He also encouraged residents to stay vigilant for extra kids being outside over the holiday weekend and reminded people spending time outdoors to drink plenty of water.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Memorial Day travelers hit the road despite high gas prices, focus on family time<\/p>\n