An unattended grill caused a fire that damaged the exterior of a home early Thursday in the Berkeley Green subdivision in James City County, fire officials said.
Crews were called to the home about 5 a.m. after the owner reported that a grill and deck at the rear of the structure were on fire, said James City County Fire Department Battalion Chief Al Catlett.
According to investigators, the fire was caused after hot coals were left in the grill and ignited deck materials.
No one was injured, and the fire was confined to the exterior of the home, Catlett said.
Unattended grilling and improper disposal of coals are a common, preventable cause of house fires, Catlett said.
He offered the following advice to prevent grill fires:
- Only use a grill outside and keep it at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails and eaves.
- Clean the grill after each use.
- Keep a 3-foot safe zone around the grill.
- Place cooled coals in a metal can with a lid.
- Stay with a grill when it is in use.
