A barbecue grill that neighbors say exploded is being blamed for a fire that extensively damaged a home Wednesday afternoon on Andberg Way just off McKay Road north of Brainerd.
The fire at the home of Robert and Patricia Evans was reported at 5:01 p.m. Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Stunek said a gas grill being used by Robert Evans appeared to start the deck on fire, which spread in to the attic of his house and burned off about half the roof.
The fire destroyed the deck and severely damaged the kitchen, living room, dining room and a couple of bedrooms, Stunek said. He figured there was $125,000-$150,000 in estimated damages.
North Ambulance also was called to the fire as a precaution but no injuries were reported. The Nisswa Fire Department and Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department also assisted.
Darren Goltz, who lives across the street from the Evanses, said he noticed the fire when his dogs became agitated. He said heard an explosion, saw a fireball on the deck and ran over to make sure Robert Evans was OK.
Firefighters surrounded the home of Robert and Patricia Evans on Andberg Way north of Brainerd Wednesday afternoon to douse a fire that started on the homeowner's deck and spread into their attic. For more photos from the fire, visit Spotted at brainerddispatch.com Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humph.rey
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
"I'm just glad he wasn't outside when that happened," Goltz said.
Another neighbor, Troy Schreifels, was standing outside watching his driveway being tarred when the fire started.
"There was just a huge explosion," Schreifels said. "You could see the flames pop right out."
Stunek said whether the propane tank on the grill exploded or the fire spread by other means is under investigation.
Strong winds carried smoke to neighboring houses but firefighters, battling 85 degree temperatures in full gear, were able to keep the fire from spreading to surrounding woods and homes.
Dozens of neighbors lined Andberg Way to watch the firefighters work, including two girls who apparently found humor in bringing a bag of marshmallows and roasting sticks to watch their neighbors home burn.
Wednesday's fire was the second this month caused by a grill. On Aug. 1 a Baxter home was heavily damaged by a charcoal or gas grill that was left unattended on the deck.
"When cooking on deck you have to be careful, be very careful, with grills," Stunek said.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch, Click Here.
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Brainerd Dispatch. Please read our posting rules in the terms of service policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the triangle alert icon.
