Drought conditions have prompted fire watches throughout the borderland, and fire officials want to make sure that if you plan to fire up your grill this holiday weekend you do it safely. 

Anthony Gutierrez said he won't let a little heat get in the way of making ribs for his family's cookout this Memorial Day.

"Well, it's hot either way," he said.

He said he always tries to be safe while grilling.

"Just try to keep the area clean, no grease anywhere, make sure the kids don't get too close to the fire," he said.

All good things, said fire officials, who added many fires start because the grill is not extinguished properly.

"The great majority of fires is that, especially charcoal that is not put completely out," said John Concha of the El Paso Fire Department.

Firefighters say if you plan to grill, be careful.

Here are a few safety tips:

• Propane and charcoal  barbecue grills must only be used outdoors.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a 3-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so a hot grill cannot ignite it.

And make sure you completely extinguish your coals.

"It might take as simple as having put all the ashes into a bucket of water, using some water to cool it down," said Concha.

Gutierrez may not use a bucket of water, but he said he has something.

"I've got the hose close by," he said.

With so much dry vegetation, firefighters are also asking people to not throw cigarettes out the window, saying the smallest ember from a discarded cigarette can spark a fire.