VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) — A residential fire in Virginia Beach was caused by discarded fire pit ashes that were still smoldering.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department responded to the 800 block of Saint Martin Drive around noon Monday, October 22.
When crews arrived, there was heavy smoke and flames coming from the back right side of the house. The flames were reaching as high as the roof of the single-story home.
Firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire before it extended into the home. There was damage to the siding and right side-wall of the house.
The homeowner had discarded ashes from a fire pit into a plastic trash can on the side of the house where the fire started.
There was a natural gas meter located in the same spot, but there was no gas leak and no ignition of natural gas despite the meter being damaged.
No one was hurt.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department reminds everyone to make sure ashes from a fire pit, fireplace, or grill are completely out before disposing of them in a non-combustible container. Experts recommend waiting for at least 72-hours before putting ashes in the trash.
