CLEVELAND — A man was recued from a second floor "porch roof" after a fire spread from a garbage can to a Cleveland house.
Cleveland Fire crews responded to a house fire on the 11000 block of Forest Avenue at approximately 11:58 a.m. on Sunday after a fire engine in the area witnessed smoke coming out of a house while they were checking nearby hydrants.
When fire crews arrived, they saw a man on the second floor of the house who needed rescue. Firefighters were able to successfully assist the man down from the roof to safety.
An investigation of the fire revealed that a resident had been using a charcoal grill on Saturday. When they were done using the grill, the hot coals were disposed in a city garbage can. The coals were not properly cooled before disposal causing them to ignite the fire.
Damages are estimated at $60,000. Four adults and two children have been displaced as a result of the fire. No injuries were reported.
In a press release, the Cleveland Fire Department reiterated the importance of safely disposing used charcoals as the warmer months approach. That statement can be seen below.
"Residents are reminded to wait until coals are completely cool before disposing of them in a metal garbage can. Keep grills 3’ away from houses or garages."