At approximately 4:00 PM on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, Firefighters were called out to a single level home that was on fire near 83rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road in Glendale.

When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames showing from the attic area of the 3,500 square foot home. “As in any house fire, our first priority is to perform search and rescue tactics to make sure everyone is out safely,” said Glendale Firefighter Daniel Valenzuela. “Fortunately the entire family of 9 and their 6 pets made it out safely. Unfortunately this family will be displaced from their home due to the extensive damage sustained by the 5 bedroom house,” said Valenzuela. "Firefighters made an aggressive stop on the fire before it could spread to any near by homes,” Valenzuela continued.

The fire is believed to have been started by a propane BBQ grill that may have been left on. The grill was located near the home in the back patio area. When firefighters arrived, the flames had already reached to the attic space which spread throughout the length of the home through the attic. The damage estimate tallied $150,000.

The Glendale Fire Department’s Crisis Response Team worked with the Red Cross to fill the family’s immediate needs such as food, water and shelter. There was no occupant injuries reported

“This is a reminder to everyone in our community to check your smoke alarms and practice your home escape plans,” said Firefighter Valenzuela. “You never know when you’ll have to rely on them,” Valenzuela added. Information on fire drills and smoke alarms can be found on the Glendale Fire Department Web site.