Grill Sparks Apartment Fire in Missouri
A two-alarm fire ravaged a Gladstone apartment building early Thursday, forcing about 40 residents to find temporary shelter.
The fire was reported at 1:45 a.m. at the Northwood Village Apartments, near 58th Street and North Oak Trafficway. The fire apparently started when a resident left a smoldering smoker grill on the balcony of a second-floor apartment, officials said. Residents escaped without injury.
Gladstone authorities cited Diana DeShaun, who lives in the apartment, for violating the citys ordinance prohibiting using a grill on a wooden deck.
When firefighters arrived, they found fire ripping through the third floor of the southeast portion of the building. Fire was also visible from the second floor, said Sgt. Richard King, spokesman for the Gladstone Department of Public Safety.
Flames eventually broke through and engulfed the roof, forcing firefighters to flee the building. The roof soon collapsed.
It took fire crews about 90 minutes to bring the blaze under control, King said.
Fire investigators determined that the grill, which had been used on a second-floor wooden balcony, was the probable cause. DeShauns husband awakened and discovered the fire.
He went to the basement to retrieve a fire extinguisher. When he returned, the fire was out of control. The fire caused $500,000 in damage to the structure and $200,000 in damage to the contents. At least 18 apartment units were extensively damaged. The American Red Cross helped find shelter for displaced families, King said.
Fire officials gave their investigation report to the citys prosecutor, King said.
Distributed by the Associated Press