Bonfire Ashes Spark House Fire Causing $20K Damage: State Fire Marshal

BEL AIR, MD — A fire broke out Saturday morning at a Bel Air home after officials say someone improperly discarded ashes from a bonfire.

The incident happened shortly after 11:15 a.m. Oct. 5 at a home located in the 1600 block of Junius Court. A neighbor discovered the fire. Approximately 20 firefighters from the Bel Air fire department arrived on the scene to find the home's outside wall on the backside of the home on fire, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.

"Treat all ashes and coals as hot ashes, even when you think they had time enough to cool. Take care to dispose of them wisely. Your house, deck or garage are unsafe locations for storing ashes while they cool and have been the site of many recent and devastating fires both locally and nationally. Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside and at least 10 feet from your home or nearby buildings," the state fire marshal's office stated.

The fire caused an estimated $20,000 in damage to the home, the fire marshal's office said.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends residents follow these tips:

• Do not discard your ashes into any combustible container such as a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box or a plastic trash can.
• Do not place ash containers on decks, porches or in garages.
• Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
• Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
• Keep your can outside the home, away from your fireplace or stove and anything combustible.
• Teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.