A fire last night in Maricopa’s Alterra neighborhood was traced to a backyard grill that ignited the back of a home, city officials said.

Just after 10 p.m., fire crews arrived at the house on Rhea Road near Gatun Avenue to find heavy smoke pouring from the back of the single-story residence and hanging at waist level inside, according to city spokesperson Quinn Konold.

Firefighters found flames in the kitchen area and began working to contain them. Rain was falling as crews were seen ventilating the house.

Preliminary information indicates the homeowner had been using a grill on the back porch, positioned near the exterior wall of the house, when it caught fire and quickly spread into the structure, said Konold.

Crews extinguished the blaze and conducted primary and secondary sear

See Full Page