Grill To Blame For Fire That Damaged Aurora Home

AURORA, IL --- A propane grill is to blame for a fire that caused thousands of dollars in damages to an Aurora home on New Year's Eve, officials say. The homeowner told the fire department they noticed the flames on the grill had gone out of control and "looked like a blow torch."

Firefighters arrived at the scene in the 1800 block of Charles Lane just after 6 p.m. after the resident had extinguished the fire and moved the grill away from the home. The fire had caused "spot fires" under the siding of the home and beneath the grill.

The total damage was estimated at $15,000.

In a news release, Aurora Fire Chief Jim Rhodes advised residents not to keep grills on wooden decks and to keep them away from homes. Residents are also advised to keep fire extinguishers handy and to call 911 before attempting to put out a fire on their own.

Image via Aurora Fire Department