What can go wrong using gasoline to start your barbeque?
While Contra Costa and Richmond fire units were dealing with an incident involving a vehicle into a structure, a garage fire was reported approximately one mile away. Luckily, the first arriving crew to the vehicle accident determined it was non-injury and units were diverted to the garage fire. The first unit on scene of the garage fire found heavy smoke and flames coming from the garage of a single story residence. The occupant was in front of the house spraying water from a garden hose and stated that no one was inside. Firefighters began an initial attack from the exterior and attempted to make an interior attack, but the fire had heavily extended into the back of the house and crews were forced out by the heavy fire involvement. Exterior fire attack continued and eventually the fire in the living area was knocked down and crews again went inside to complete extinguishment. The fire was under control within 20 minutes.
Upon investigation, it was determined that the occupant started a barbeque just outside the open pedestrian door to the garage. He stated he used gasoline to help start the wood fuel in the barbeque. He left the barbeque unattended for a few moments and returned to find flames entering the the garage door. He unsuccessfully attempted extinguishment with a fire extinguisher and then a garden hose. A neighbor called 911.
The fire caused $90,000 damage. There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries. Red Cross was called to provide temporary housing for the two displaced occupants.
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