Fire and Rescue Respond To Kensington House Fire

Update, 9:15 a.m.: Embers from a charcoal grill caused a fire early Sunday morning at a Kensington home, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue reported.

County Fire and Rescue, along with units from the responded around 4 a.m. Sunday to the report of a house fire at 4630 Edgefield Road, according to Assistant Chief Scott Graham, a Fire and Rescue spokesman.

Responders discovered extensive fire on the deck, extending into the back of the home and the attic, Graham said. Units extinguished the fire quickly.

The home's occupant told fire investigators he had been using a kettle-style charcoal grill the night before on the deck of the home. Because the grill didn't have an ash catch feature, he had placed a plastic saucer beneath the kettle. Investigators believe hot embers dropping out of the grill through the night melted the plastic saucer and ignited the deck.

Responders were able to minimize the spread of fire into the home, however, damage was estimated at about $250,000 to the home and its contents. No one was injured.

Graham reminded residents to use charcoal grills only at a safe distance from their homes and to use a fire-proof base underneath the grill. Those in multi-family dwellings should check their local codes and make sure to grill in a safe area off of balconies or decks at least 25 feet from the building, Graham said.

Original post, 7:57 a.m.: Montgomery County Fire and Rescue responded to a Kensington house fire overnight Sunday, a county Fire and Rescue spokesman said.

The fire happened at 4630 Edgefield Road, according to Assistant Chief Scott Graham, a Fire and Rescue spokesman.

Sunday morning, fire investigators were still on the scene. More information wasn't immediately available. Stay tuned to Patch for updates.