Crews arrived on the scene in 400 block for Fraser Dr. about 1 a.m. According to Beaufort/ Port Royal Fire Chief Sammy Negron, 50 percent of the house had already been consumed by the blaze. Heavy fire conditions initially prevented firefighters from entering the structure.
35 fire firefighters from Beaufort/Port Royal fire department, along with the Burton Fire District responded to the call.
Investigators said the fire was an accident, adding that the embers from an improperly extinguished charcoal grill could not be ruled out as the cause. They believe the hot embers from the grill ignited a wooden patio deck, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
The Palmetto Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the home owner. No one was hurt in the blaze, however, two dogs were killed in the fire.
Firefighters remind residents of the importance of cooking and grilling only on specified grilling surfaces. Also, grilling should be done at 15 feet away from any combustible materials including patios, decks, roofs, and porches.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) cooking equipment continues to be the leading cause of residential fires in the United States.
