Dear friends of Brownstone Insurance,

There is a reason why it is illegal to have a grill on a roof or balcony in Boston, and the two grill fires that occurred in the past two days are perfect examples why.

 

The first fire occurred on Wednesday, August 8^th on the 3^rd floor porch of a 6-family building in Roslindale. The one-alarm fire sent one firefighter to the hospital with a leg injury and displaced all 18 residents, including 6 children. The Red Cross and the Boston Mayor's Office were called in to assist residents in finding alternative housing.

 

According to the Boston Fire Department, the fire began on the 3^rd floor porch and quickly spread to the 2^nd floor porch, then traveled into the walls and ceiling of the top unit. Damage is currently estimated at $175,000.

 

The second fire happened on Thursday, August 9^th on the roof of 20 Wellington Street in Boston's South End. The 4-story brick building was quickly evacuated and fire fighters found an illegal propane grill on the roof that caused the fire.

 

The flames extended inside 20 Wellington Street and to the roof of an adjacent building. All 9 units inside the building experienced considerable smoke, fire and water damage, resulting in approximately $500,000 in damages. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of this fire.

 

The Boston Fire Department immediately took to their Twitter account (@BostonFire) to convey the importance of abiding by the law restricting the use of grills on balconies and roofs.

 

Click here to see photos of both fires and view the official grill law in Boston >>