Unattended Grill Leads To House Fire In Hamden: UPDATE

HAMDEN, CT — An unattended charcoal grill led to a house fire Tuesday afternoon on Whiting Street in Hamden, according to fire officials. Firefighters responded to 58-60 Whiting Street shortly after 3 p.m. on May 28 and reported seeing smoke coming from the rear of the home.

“The crew stretched a hose line to the back of the home and encountered a second-floor porch fire,” Fire Marshal Brian Dolan wrote in a news release. “The fire was quickly extinguished and declared under control by Battalion Chief John Spencer shortly thereafter. Overhaul was performed to check for any fire extension.”

Officials determined that the fire was caused by a small, unattended charcoal grill. The occupant of the second floor told fire officials that she had lit the grill and then went back inside her apartment. When she returned, she found that the fire had grown and spread to the outside decking, according to Dolan.

“The Hamden Fire Department would like to remind all residents to never leave a grill unattended while cooking,” Dolan said. “Outdoor cooking devices should always be kept a minimum of 10 feet away from the home and any overhangs. Grills should never be used on a porch, deck, or balcony.”

Photo via the Hamden Fire Department