Charleston, South Carolina – A townhome fire on Sunday afternoon is suspected to have started due to discarded ashes from a charcoal barbecue.
The Charleston Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting a possible structure fire off Water Lotus Lane. When firefighters arrived, they noticed smoke pouring from the first floor garage of a three-story condominium.
According to Charleston Fire officials, the tenants told firefighters that they had used a charcoal grill the day before and cleaned it afterward, then disposed of the ashes in the garage once they cooled.
Fire damage was reported just in the garage, and the cause was judged to be an accident. There were no injuries recorded.
“The Charleston Fire Department would like to remind residents that charcoal grill briquets and fireplace ashes may retain enough heat to cause a fire up to three days after extinguishment,” Charleston Fire spokespersons said.
The government advised placing grilling debris and similar things in a metal container on a non-combustible surface at least 10 feet away from the house, and that it be allowed to cool before disposal.
