A propane grill on a wooden deck is fine if you're smart about it.

Yes, but you have to be disciplined about three things: distance, grease management, and a fireproof barrier.

The biggest risk isn’t the grill itself catching fire—it’s the grease. Grease drips, collects, and eventually ignites. On a wooden deck, that’s a disaster. So the first move is a grill mat (look for one rated for high heat, like a Fiberglass or silicone mat at least 24x36 inches). It catches sparks, grease, and embers that would otherwise land on wood.

Second, keep the grill at least 10 feet from the house, railings, and anything combustible. This is the NFPA recommendation, and it’s not arbitrary. Heat radiates sideways and up. A wooden railing can char without direct flame contact. Also, don’t shove the grill against the house wall—even if it’s brick