Using wire brushes to clean a grill does have real risks. However, it's a somewhat rare accident, with 130 ER visits per year happening between 2002 and 2014. (compare to other U.S. injury rates) So it's a low-frequency high-impact type of accident. I don't consider wire brushes to be a "never use" tool, but more of a "use rarely and only if used very carefully" type of tool.
Two cheap alternatives are to use some balled-up aluminum foil, or a half an onion, held between your tongs. [2]