News

Jun 25, 2023

Palmer grill fire causes ‘heavy’ damage to home, officials say

Six residents in Palmer have been displaced after their house caught fire from a propane grill, according to a press release from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. The Palmer Fire

Six residents in Palmer have been displaced after their house caught fire from a propane grill, according to a press release from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

The Palmer Fire Department was notified of the fire just before 4 p.m. They responded to the single-family house located at 321 Wilbraham St., and found it was “well involved, with heavy smoke and flames showing on arrival.”

“Engine crews deployed attack lines and made an interior attack but were forced to leave the structure due to the intensity of the flames and deteriorating conditions found inside the home,” said the press release. “The fire went to two alarms, bringing in additional crews and water supply to the scene, which was outside the town’s hydrant district.”

The fire caused six people to be displaced, two of whom were hurt, said the press release.

Investigators discovered “that the fire began on a deck near the back right of the structure and was accidental in nature,” said fire officials. “Specifically, they determined that it began with the grill, which had been used in that area.”

Fire officials said that the “Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code generally prohibits grills and other cooking equipment on porches, balconies, and decks without an exterior stairway to the ground.”

Additionally, the grills can’t be under a roof or overhang, and cannot be within 10 feet of a structure “unless otherwise listed by the manufacturer,” the release said.

“This home sustained heavy fire damage and six people were displaced, including two who were injured,” said Palmer Fire Chief William J. Bernat Jr. “If you use a grill, please be sure to use it safely ... Check that your connections are tight before turning on the gas, and clean the grease trap every time you grill.”

The following departments helped Palmer: the Department of Fire Services, Three Rivers, Bondsville, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Ware, Belchertown, Monson, Warren, Brimfield, and Hampden, the release said. The Red Cross is helping the displaced residents.

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