Labor Day marks the official end of summer and is when some people host a final barbecue, gathering or trip to the beach.  Connecticut Children's Medical Dr Steven Rogers says many children are injured by backyard barbecues.  He says it's important to never leave a grill unattended, keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure there are no gas leaks before use.

The National Fire Protection Association says an average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling each year. 

A failure to clean the grill was the leading factor contributing to the fire in one-fifth of all grill structure fires.  In 17%, something that could catch fire was too close to the grill.  Leaks or breaks were the factor in 11% of grill structure fires.

Putnam County Sheriff Donald Smith says unfortunately, the holiday is also a time when drunk driving happens.  Police in New York and Connecticut have stepped up patrols through tonight, in an effort to deter people from getting behind the wheel after they've been drinking.