SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash –An unattended charcoal grill caused a fire on an apartment patio Tuesday night.
It happened around 11 p.m. at the Manorvale Apartments in Spokane Valley.
Spokane Valley Fire crews say they saw heavy flames coming from the second-floor patio when they arrived, and the fire was threatening nearby apartments.
The fire was brought under control quickly and did not spread.
Investigators say the cause was accidental. A charcoal grill that was left unattended after it was used and was believed to be extinguished.
The coals smoldered for several hours before lighting items on the patio on fire.
“This incident is an important reminder that charcoal briquettes can retain heat for many hours after cooking is finished,” said Assistant Fire Marshal Ben Reece. “Even when a grill appears to be out, hot embers can remain capable of starting a fire.”
Two people are displaced, and no one was hurt.
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