Grill possible cause of fire that destroys Bath home

A fire consumed a Bath Township home Monday evening in what has been deemed a likely total loss of the property, according to authorities.

Bath Police Chief Vito Sinopoli said the fire in the 2000 block of Rock Creek South is still under investigation, but a grill on the back patio may be what caused the blaze.

Sinopoli said a family gathering was happening on the property at the time of the fire. Around 10 people were rescued from the house, as well as pets. No major injuries were reported.

Bath Fire Chief Robert Campbell said one firefighter was treated on the scene for exhaustion and dehydration then continued to work.

The Bath Township Fire Department responded to the fire around 4:40 p.m. and received assistance from the Fairlawn, Copley Township, Richfield, Hinckley Township, Sharon Township and Granger Township fire departments and the Valley Fire District in Peninsula, Campbell said.

Campbell said there were about 50 firefighters and 15 fire trucks on the scene.

Firefighters fought the blaze until about 10 p.m. Monday, Campbell said.

"And then we've had crews there off and on through the night and early morning this morning just dealing with some persistent hot spots," Campbell said.

He said "there was no major danger" to neighborhing houses.

"Neighbors reported some small spot smoldering in their mulch or holes burned through their umbrellas and stuff but no major damage," Campbell said.

Bath fire chief says safe grilling practices can prevent fires

At the home where the fire occurred, the grill was underneath a wooden deck, Campebll said.

"I would certainly stress keeping your grill away from anything combustible, including not having anything combustible over top," Campbell said.

Campbell said it's also important to clean grills because grease fires can happen even after cooking.

"And certainly, if you cook on your grill or anything like that, it's a good idea to just periodically check on it until everything is good and cooled down," he said.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ. Reporter Patrick Williams can be reached at pwilliams@gannett.com, or on Twitter @pwilliamsOH

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Bath home destroyed by fire, grill possible cause