Firefighters: Propane Grill Sparked Penn Hills Fire
PENN HILLS (KDKA) -- A home in Penn Hills was destroyed by fire Monday afternoon in Penn Hills, and the cause was likely a from a grill in the backyard.
It started just after 5 p.m. in the 100-block of Everglade Drive.
There is major damage to the home, and it's believed to be a total loss.
Firefighters say it appears a propane grill sparked the fire.
"It could have been a flare up from grease that just got away from him, and just one thing after another, it just got bigger before he called 911, and by the time he called it was… the flames were pretty intense, he wasn't able to keep up with them," said Penn Hills Fire Chief Bill Jeffcoat.
The chief says the back deck is gone and the inside of the home gutted.
What specifically happened isn't clear, but it apparently happened quickly.
The National Fire Protection Association says there are an average of 8,800 home fires a year involving gas grills, hibachis or barbecues.
Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident. But the fire chief did have some advice.
"Just to keep an eye on your grills, whether they're charcoal of propane, don't leave them unattended because just like that they could turn on you," said Chief Jeffcoat.
Officials say the homeowners do have insurance.
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