Briquettes from a charcoal grill getting onto a wooden deck are to blame for a fire early this (Saturday) morning, north of Atlantic. Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees told KJAN News a neighbor of Jake Smith, who resides at 54393 Buck Creek Road, was up at around 4-a.m. and noticed smoke before calling 9-1-1.

Photo courtesy Cass County EMA Coordinator Mike Kennon

McNees said when they arrived on scene, the deck and side of an attached portion of a home was on fire. Crews were able to get a quick knockdown of the flames. Still, about half the deck was lost, and the home sustained some smoke damage.The Chief said Smith had been barbecuing on the deck and threw water on the flames at around 12:30-a.m., but it appears some charcoal might have slipped through the bottom of the grill or blown out, onto the deck, according to McNees.

Firefighters remained on the scene until about 5:30. No injuries were reported.