A propane barbecue unit is blamed for extensively damaging a Folsom family's home, prompting a warning for outdoor grillers to take extra care as the Labor Day holiday approaches.
The Folsom Fire Department reported no injuries in the fire Tuesday at the home in the 100 block of Marvin Court.
The fire was traced to a propane barbecue sitting at the side of the house, a fire department spokesman said.
At 4:27 pm Tuesday, the homeowner reported the fire in a 9-1-1 to call, according to a press release. By the time firefighters arrived, seven minutes later, the fire had spread to the nearby wooden fence, side of the home and roof members of the home, the spokesman said.
Five engines and four trucks were called to the scene of the two-alarm fire.
"Firefighters from Folsom, El Dorado Hills and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Departments worked in the afternoon heat to extinguish the fire and salvage the homeowner's household goods," the spokesman said. "The fire was under control in 15 minutes, but firefighters were on scene until 10 p.m.
The home received extensive damage to the interior and roof areas, according to the release. No estimate of damage has been made.
The fire was accidental and originated at the home's propane barbecue, the spokesman said.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, "Cooking equipment fires are the leading cause of home structure fires and associated civilian injuries. These fires accounted for 40 percent of all reported home structure fires in 2005 and 36 percent of home civilian injuries. Twelve percent of the fires occurred when something that could catch fire was too close to the equipment," according to the release.
