McPHERSON, Kan. — A Thursday morning fire that started on a back porch barbecue grill led to the likely total loss of a McPherson home, according to the McPherson Fire Department.
The McPherson Fire Department was dispatched at 11:25 a.m. to the 1000 block of South Ash for a reported structure fire. Crews arrived to find heavy fire involvement on the back porch, which had spread into the residence.
Two people and a dog were inside the home at the time but were able to evacuate safely.
The department initially responded with two engines and three command vehicles, totaling nine personnel. An additional fire apparatus and three more firefighters arrived later to assist. McPherson Police and McPherson EMS responded to the scene, along with Kansas Gas Service and the Board of Public Utilities, who shut off utilities to the residence.
Investigators determined the fire was accidental and originated from a barbecue grill being used on a covered deck attached to the rear of the house. The blaze caused significant fire damage to the back of the home and heat and smoke damage throughout.