Grill fire displaces Wentzville family; fire crews issue summer safety tips
The homeowner said she had turned on the propane grill and stepped inside when she heard an explosion.
WENTZVILLE, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A Wentzville family is picking up the pieces after a backyard grill fire spread rapidly and damaged their home Monday night, prompting local fire officials to remind residents about the dangers of grilling.
The fire happened Monday at a home on Tulip Bend Drive. Homeowner Julie Ratica said she had turned on the propane grill and stepped inside when she heard a loud noise.
“I heard a pop, and it was just a massive ball of fire,” Ratica said. “It just engulfed the back of the house so quickly.”
Ratica said she had used the grill many times before and was following her normal routine.
“I opened the grill, turned on the propane tank, cleaned it off and was letting it heat up,” she said. “I came inside to get food ready, like I always do.”
“It just exploded,” Ratica said.
Within minutes, flames had spread to the attic and front of the house that the Ratica’s had lived in for 23 years. The Wentzville Fire Protection District responded quickly, but the structure was already heavily damaged by the time they arrived.
“The attic is a wide open space,” said Wentzville Fire Chief Steve Mosher. “Fires that start outside and move in are very hard to control. They move fast.”
Heavy smoke was visible from blocks away. The home’s roof partially collapsed, and the back of the structure was scorched.
No injuries were reported. Ratica, her husband, two dogs, two birds and two guinea pigs escaped safely.
“The firefighters were amazing,” Ratica said. “They carried the guinea pigs out in their hands because the cage broke. I’m just thankful we’re all okay.”
Still, she said the emotional toll is heavy.
“It’s not just furniture or clothes. It’s things from when the kids were little. Pictures, memories. Everything’s gone,” she said.
Investigators and insurance adjusters were on scene Wednesday. The official cause of the fire is still under review.
Chief Mosher said grill fires become more common during the summer and shared several precautions homeowners can take:
- Keep grills at least 10 feet away from any structure.
- Clean grills regularly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, either in the garage or kitchen.
“These are basic steps, but they can make a big difference,” Mosher said.
Ratica said the family plans to rebuild but added she’s reconsidering grilling altogether.
“I will probably never grill again,” Ratica laughed. “The community has been so wonderful, total strangers are coming out and offering to help us.”
The community has also set up a GoFundMe to the Raticas. To donate, click here.
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