Gas Grill Starts House Fire, Resident Burned

LAKE SHORE, MD — A malfunctioning gas grill on the back deck of a Lake Shore house caused a fire Sunday afternoon that burned a resident, Anne Arundel County Fire officials say. The blaze was reported at 5:40 p.m. in the 400 block of Maryland Avenue, when the residents called 9-1-1.

Firefighters reported heavy fire from the rear of the structure spreading into the attic when they arrived. The back exterior wall of the house and an enclosed porch were fully involved in fire, which crews brought under control in less than 15 minutes.

Members of the Anne Arundel County Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit determined that the cause of the fire was accidental, caused by a malfunction of the gas grill. The resident of the home who was using the grill suffered minor burns to his hands, face, and arms, but did not require hospitalization. Damage is estimated at $150,000, according to the fire department.

The National Fire Protection Association says that between 2012 and 2016, an average of 16,600 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. Between 2011 and 2015, fire departments went to an annual average of 9,600 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including 4,100 structure fires and 5,500 outside or unclassified fires.

Grill Safety Tips

• Use propane and charcoal grills outdoors only.
• Place the grill well away from your home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Put safety rules for kids in place. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill area.
• Clean your grill often, removing any grease or fat buildup from the grates and in the trays below.
• Stay next to your grill at all times while cooking; never leave the area unattended.

Image via Shutterstock