Grill Bursts into Flames, Causing $20K in Damage: Fire Marshal

JOPPA, MD — A grill burst into flames Monday morning in Joppa, in a fire that was not caused by cooking.

A leaking propane tank was the source of the blaze in the 400 block of Foster Branch Road, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The leaking propane tank was located on the deck behind a two-story home. It was connected to a gas grill, which was ignited by a nearby electrical outlet.

At 5:02 a.m., the homeowner heard a "bang" and discovered the fire. He tried to put it out with a portable fire extinguisher and and notified authorities.

Within five minutes, 15 firefighters from the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company contained the blaze.

It caused $15,000 in structural damage, and items worth $5,000 were lost as well, the fire marshal said.

"Citizens are urged to always turn off the valve to the propane tank and to periodically check lines and hoses for leaks," the fire marshal said in a statement.

Photos courtesy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.