PHOTOS: Fire Caused by Grill Does $70,000 Damage to Annandale Home: Fire Department

PHOTO GALLERY of Monday night fire from 4200 block of Guinea Road in Annandale courtesy of Northern Virginia Fire Buffs. See more photos on their Facebook page.

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Firefighters from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and Fairfax City responded to a house fire Monday night at 6:25 p.m., in the Annandale area of Fairfax County.

The single-family home is located in the 4200 block of Guinea Road.

Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the attic and rear of the two-story home when they arrived on the scene. Firefighters put out the fire in about 20 minutes, the department said.

One person was at home when the fire broke out and escaped unharmed, the fire department said. The fire was reported by a neighbor after seeing flames consuming the rear deck, according to the fire department. Red Cross is providing support to the occupant. There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at $70,000, the fire department said.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. A propane grill too close to the home caused the fire.

Grill Safety Tips

• Grills should be placed at least 15 feet from any home, building, or combustibles to ensure adequate air circulation.
• Charcoal must be kept dry. Spare propane bottles should be stored outside away from the home. A backyard shed is a good place.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill. Grills continue to give off heat long after cooking has stopped.
• Never place hot ashes in paper or plastic bags or containers. Only use metal containers for hot ashes.
• Use Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved electrical starters in place of lighter fluid.
• Never use a grill on apartment or condominium balconies. This practice is one of the biggest dangers with grills. It is unsafe and against the law.