QBeth: Yes, we've heard and known of those stories, too. They ARE scary. We're not cooking on the deck until we get to a Home Depot or Lowes. We're going to buy a thing that makes it fireproof. I don't know what it is...but basically it's something they put around fireplaces. We don't want to burn the deck/house nor do we want to stain the deck with oils. Also, I NEVER leave a BBQ unattended...NEVER! There ARE ways to BBQ on the deck without harm.....just be smart and pay attention.