Charcoal grill triggers Aurora apartment fire

A neighbor called the fire department shortly after 5 p.m. and within a half-hour crews extinguished the fire. No tenants were injured but officials estimate damage at more than $300,000, Lehman said.

At least three units had major damage, including that of the man whose grill started the fire. Five other units sustained smoke and water damage, Lehman said.

The apartment complex operators were able to find housing for the displaced residents. The man has not been cited and officials have not yet determined if he will be.

The fire serves as a reminder that grilling can be dangerous and city ordinances prohibit tenants from having grills on their balconies for safety reasons, Lehman said.

“Now that we’re coming into the grilling season, we want to make sure people are aware that one tenant in a structure can affect the lives of all the others by not following the rules,” he said.

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