Gas Grill Catches Fire, Causes $125K In Damages To Home: Mount Prospect FD

MOUNT PROSPECT, IL — An outside fire caused by a gas grill damaged a split-level home Friday morning in the 1300 block of W. Busse Avenue. According to the Mount Prospect Fire Department, no one was injured, but the fire did cause an estimated $125,000 in damages to the home.

Mount Prospect firefighters responded to a report of an outside fire, possibly involving a gas grill, at around 6:50 a.m. After learning the grill was located adjacent to the home, the initial response was upgraded to a structure fire.

Firefighters were able to wake and alert the homeowner, getting them safely out of the home before beginning fire suppression operations as the fire extended from the rear into the attic spaces of the home. Crews needed to perform overhaul in multiple attic areas to fully extinguish the fire and prevent further spread.

MPFD was assisted by firefighters from Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Prospect Heights and Glenview.

While an investigation into the fire continues, officials believe it was accidental in nature.

"This incident serves as an important reminder for residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms installed inside bedrooms outside sleeping areas, and on every level of their home," Mount Prospect Fire Chief Tom Wang said. "Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms can provide early warning and save lives."

For more information on fire safety in the home, residents are encouraged to contact the Mount Prospect Fire Prevention Bureau at 847-818-5253.