Columbia fire officials warn residents of grill placement after house caught fire Friday

Columbia firefighters said they were called to a north Columbia home Friday night for reports of a residential structure fire.

Crews arrived at 3401 Lost Tree Terrace shortly before 7:30 p.m. and saw heavy fire coming from the back of the house and venting through the roof, firefighters said.

Four people were inside the home when the fire started, but all were able to escape without injuries, according to officials.

Firefighters said they had the fire under control about 15 minutes after they got to the scene.

The Columbia Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office conducted an investigation at the scene to determine the cause. Investigators said the fire started outside the back of the house and spread to the back wall, then the attic.

Investigators said the fire started from combustibles that were too close to grilling equipment and the home. They said the estimated cost of damages were $80,000.

Fire officials wanted to remind residents to keep barbecue grills at least 10 feet from the house and other combustibles while using them.