Germantown House Fire Causes $150K Damage

GERMANTOWN, MD — Montgomery County firefighters say a charcoal grill reportedly started a Germantown house fire early Tuesday morning that has displaced a family of six, say officials

More than 70 Montgomery County firefighters were called to the blaze at 13405 Tilford Court in Germantown Estates.

Fire and Rescue Services spokesman Pete Piringer said a smoke alarm alerted the family to the fire, and they were able to evacuate their home without injuries.

Piringer said the fire was caused by a charcoal grill on the deck.

He said damage is estimated at $100,000 to the structure of the house, and $50,000 to its contents.

The department recently reminded residents about safety tips when grilling:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit. Never use gasoline.
• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill repaired by a professional, if necessary.
• Remember to keep your grill clean. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto grill and catch fire.
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Grilling Safety
• Only use your barbecue grill outside. Grills are not designed to be used in a trailer, tent, garage, or house. Carbon monoxide can build-up and poison you.
• Set-up a grill in an open area away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves or brush. Be sure to avoid high traffic areas and always barbecue in a well-ventilated area. Be aware of wind blown sparks.
• Always read the owners manual before using the grill.
• Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.
• Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher within easy reach.
• When purchasing a fire extinguisher, choose the largest size that can be handled comfortably.
• Wear clothing that does not have hanging sleeves or apron strings, and use flame retardant mitts when adjusting hot vents.
• Never leave a grill unattended once it is lit.
• Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns and splatters.
• Never attempt to move a hot grill.

If using a charcoal grill, gasoline should never be used in place of charcoal lighter fluid. And never reapply charcoal lighter fluid after the fire has started; the flames can ignite the vapors, and travel up to the can causing an explosion.

Consumers should use caution when storing LP gas containers. Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.

To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, consumers should position the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.

»Photos from house fire at 13405 Tilford Court in Germantown Estates, courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services