What started as a barbecue dinner got out of control Wednesday night when the chef left the grill unattended and the ensuing fire gutted an Aurora townhome.
Aurora firefighters were called to townhome at 389 S. Kalispell Way just after 8 p.m., Wednesday. When they arrived just minutes later, they called for assistance for a raging fire. A total of 36 firefighters fought the blaze, which gutted one unit and destroyed the kitchen and outside deck of a neighboring unit.
Witnesses said they hear the explosion of a propane gas bottle during the fire. Firefighters estimated the damage at $150,000.
No injuries reported and the Red Cross helped find housing for two families who were displaced.
The Aurora Fire Department cautions barbecue owners to clean excess grease from their grilles, to shut off the gas valve when not using the grille and to never leave a burning grille unattended.
