Larryville fire ruled accidental
from staff reportsLARRYVILLE - An accidental Friday fire that destroyed a 1708 Cement Hollow Road, Piatt Township, home began at a backyard grill before spreading to the structure, according to Jersey Shore's Citizens Hose Co. Chief Matt Fausey.
Damage to the grill was severe enough to prevent firefighters from knowing if the grill malfunctioned while it was turned off or if it was simply left on when the homeowners, Julie and Harvey "Ben" Fink Jr. left for the evening.
"It's accidental because we're not sure if something failed or they left it on," Fausey said.
Although Fausey said the grill's gas line was "burnt-off," nearby barbecue-size propane tanks did not rupture.
Fire to the grill was severe enough that it melted its control knobs, according to Fausey.
The Finks and their two children had plans to stay with friends.
The only person physically harmed was an Independent Hose Co. firefighter from Jersey Shore, whom Fausey said suffered from heat exhaustion. The firefighter was released from the hospital Friday night.
