Apple Valley, CA – House fire caused by BBQ grill is contained by sprinkler system

Firefighters quickly doused a blaze at a home here Tuesday evening, officials said. Reported at 5:46 p.m., Apple Valley Fire Protection District personnel made quick work of the fire, which occurred at a home in the 19300 block of Glaslyn Court, in the Jess Ranch area. AVFPD Fire Marshal Brian Pachman said the district responded with a “full first alarm” response. Firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy smoke coming from the back of the home “with danger of spreading through the entire structure.

“Fire crews entered the [home] and took to the roof with swift and aggressive ventilation and contained the fire to the rear living room area,” Pachman said. “One residential sprinkler head was activated and kept the fire in check until units quickly arrived.

The fire is believed to have originated from a barbecue grill at the home, with one resident reporting that “smoke and fire” were coming from the grill right before they called 911. One occupant was transported to a local hospital with “cuts to his body from breaking glass,” Pachman said. No other injuries were reported. Pachman credited the quick response to nearby Fire Station 337, which was reopened a year ago after voters approved Measure A, a special tax intended to boost fire services.

“This would have been a different outcome without the successful passing of Measure A,” Pachman said. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, but Pachman said fire investigators are looking closely at the grill “being a contributing factor.”