Grill fire causes significant damage to Chesterfield home, displacing four people

Chesterfield County, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Four people were displaced after a grill fire spread to their Chesterfield County house on Tuesday.

Just before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, firefighters with Chesterfield County Fire & EMS responded to the 12100 block of Winfree Street for report of a house fire.

When crews arrived, they found that the home had sustained significant damage. Flames had spread along the back side of the house, onto the second floor and the roof.

The fire was put out within an hour, and there were no injuries. However, four adults are now without a home and are being helped by their neighbors.

Officials said the fire was caused by a back porch grill placed too close to the house’s siding. The flames burned through the side and went up towards the second floor and roof.

Fire officials are using the incident to remind grill owners that placing a grill too close to any structure poses a fire risk.

According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), a grill should be placed at least three feet away from any structure, railings or any combustible materials. It should also not be placed under any leaves or overhanging branches.