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Discarded Charcoal Ashes Spark NW Wichita House Fire

Reporter: KAKE News

Monday, May 21, 2012

Smoldering charcoal ashes sparked an early morning house fire in northwest Wichita, officials said.

The fire broke out in the 1900 block of N. Holland, near 21st and Ridge Rd., around 5 a.m. Monday.

Crews arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the back of the home. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the back deck, but the fire extended into the attic.

Capt. Stuart Bevis, Wichita Fire, said charcoal ashes left on the deck in a bag started the fire.

A family was in the home at the time, but managed to escape safely. Bevis said a smoke alarm alerted the homeowner about the potential danger.

The fire caused about $35,000 in damage.