Fireplace Ashes Spark $50K Jarrettsville House Fire

JARRETTSVILLE, MD — Fireplace ashes stored on the wood deck of a Jarrettsville home sparked a fire that caused $50,000 damage Thursday, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

The fire was reported about 3:49 p.m. at 2304 Shepherd Court, when the homeowner returned to the residence as a neighbor spotted flames on a back porch and exterior of the two-story house. Crews from the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company responded and had the blaze under control in 5 minutes.

No injuries were reported.

"Investigators credit the quick response of the fire department in being able to contain the fire before it spread to the roof and the remainder of the home," the fire marshal said.

Treat all ashes and coals as hot ashes, even when you think they had time enough to cool, the agency said.

"Take care to dispose of them wisely. Your house, deck or garage are unsafe locations for storing ashes while they cool and have been the site of many recent and devastating fires both locally and nationally," the fire marshal's office said. "Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside and at least 10 feet from your home or nearby buildings."

The Office of the State Fire Marshal shared reminders on handling ashes:

• Do not discard your ashes into any combustible container such as a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
• Do not place ash containers on decks, porches or in garages.
• Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
• Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
• Keep your can outside the home, away from your fireplace or stove and anything combustible.
• Teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.