‘In only a matter of minutes’: Calabash Fire Department warns of grill fire risks

CALABASH, NC (WWAY) — A grill fire quickly spread to a home in Calabash over the weekend, prompting a warning from the Calabash Fire Department about the dangers of unattended grills.

The fire happened Saturday, Aug. 22, on Calabash Road. According to the fire department, investigators determined the blaze began when a grill caught fire and spread to the home.

Fire officials shared a photograph taken just seven minutes after the 911 call was received to illustrate how quickly a grill fire can escalate into a destructive structure fire.

The Calabash Fire Department recommends keeping grills outdoors and at least 10 feet away from homes, garages, deck railings, overhangs and other combustible materials. Residents should also regularly clean grease and food buildup from grills and drip trays, which can ignite and create intense fires.

Officials also remind residents to never leave a grill unattended while it is in use and to keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.

Grills should never be used inside garages, enclosed porches or other covered areas.

If a grill fire spreads or cannot be safely controlled, residents should move away from the area and call 911. Fire officials also warn against using water on grease fires.

The Calabash Fire Department thanked several agencies that responded to the fire, including Sunset Beach Fire Department, Ocean Isle Beach Fire Department, Horry County Fire Rescue, Grissettown-Longwood Fire Department, Brunswick County EMS and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department.

The coordination helped crews bring the fire under control within 30 minutes of the first response arriving, according to the department.

Fire officials also expressed their support for those affected by the fire.