ST. GEORGE — A homeowner barbecuing on a second story deck called 911 Wednesday afternoon after a flash fire ignited and caught the deck on fire.

Neighbors reacted quickly, helping to contain the blaze until firefighters arrived just after 3 p.m.

The St. George Communications Center received multiple calls reporting the structure fire at a residence in the 100 block of 2000 East in St. George.

Upon arrival emergency personnel found an active blaze on a second story deck of a residence that was quickly threatening the structure of the home itself, St. George Fire Chief Robert Stoker said.

The blaze was contained to the upper deck area by neighbors who kept the fire at bay using a garden hose while firefighters were en route, Stoker said. Their efforts helped slow the fire’s spread.

Once on scene, firefighters began pulling hoses to the back of the home and saturated the deck and structure with water until the blaze was extinguished, he said.

“There was quite a bit of smoke that went into the home,” Stoker said, “but the heat and fire was confined to the deck area.”

The fire was out within 20 minutes of the crews’ arrival. Five fire engines and an ambulance responded to the scene

The homeowner, Danielle Rector, told Stoker she was barbecuing chicken using a propane barbecue when all of a sudden there was a flash of fire, which quickly spread to the deck. She immediately called 911.

Meanwhile, Rector’s neighbor, Jay Hall, and his wife took three of Rector’s children to stay at their house as a safety precaution while emergency personnel fought the blaze, the homeowner said.

Rector said the propane barbecue that she was cooking on was several years old, which may have contributed to the fire.

According to Stoker there may have been an issue with the propane line, however he said the actual cause has not yet been determined as the investigation is still ongoing.

“Right now our investigators are speaking with the homeowner,” Stoker said, “and looking at the barbecue itself.”

There were no injuries reported with the incident and fire damage was confined to the deck area. The house received smoke damage when heavy smoke and fumes entered the interior while firefighters battled the blaze.

Stoker warned against barbecuing on wooden decks, and to use caution by maintaining a safe distance away from any structure or any combustible materials when barbecuing.

The chief also said that barbecuing on the deck or patio of an apartment, or any multi family dwelling, is illegal.

The St. George Fire Department, Gold Cross Ambulance, and officers from the St. George Police Department responded to the scene.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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