CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the third time in just a few months, the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force determined a fire was caused when residents put charcoal ashes from a grill into a plastic garbage can. Investigators determined the latest fire, which happened Monday on Glenhill Court, was accidental.
The investigation determined the fire started outside, in the plastic garbage can, then spread up the side of the home to the attic.
It took 24 firefighters to battle the flames. Two people were inside the home when the fire broke out; no one was hurt and firefighters rescued two cats from inside the building.
Memorial Day is just a few days away, and that means more people will be thinking about grilling outside. Itβs critically important to follow all instructions when using gas or charcoal grills. Charcoal can stay warm and can be a fire hazard for a long time, so make sure coals are completely cooled before disposing them in a metal container with a metal lid, away from anything flammable. Warm ashes can smolder – sometimes for days – in a plastic garbage can or rollout container before catching materials inside the container, as well as the container itself, on fire.
*Photo courtesy of The Charlotte Fire Department
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