Deck Fire At Jarrettsville House Sparked By Discarded Fireplace Ashes

JARRETTSVILLE, MD — Multiple fire companies were called to Jarrettsville Thursday shortly before 4 p.m. for a report of a deck fire that had spread to a home located in the 2300 block of Shepherd Court.

Firefighters first on the scene launched an "aggressive fire attack" and were able to contain the spread of the fire and gain control of it. Crews extinguished the fire, then tried to salvage some of the structure, the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company reported.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal personnel from the North East Regional Office were on the scene and identified the origin of the fire as discarded fireplace ashes. No injuries were reported, according to the state fire marshal's office.

The following are tips from the state fire marshal's office for proper removal of ashes:

• 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.