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Kentucky Homeowner Displaced After Backyard Grill Fire Turns House to Rubble

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 15:35 GMT by WSMV

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Kentucky Homeowner Displaced After Grill Fire Spreads, Leaving House in Ruins

On the evening of November 27, a seemingly innocuous backyard barbecue turned into a disaster for a family living in rural Kentucky. According to a report from WSMV, a propane grill that had been set up on a wooden deck behind a 1,500‑square‑foot residence caught fire and, within minutes, consumed the deck, the surrounding landscaping, and most of the front portion of the home. The homeowner—identified as 43‑year‑old Jason Miller of Shelbyville—was forced to flee the property with his wife and two children, leaving behind a charred shell of their once‑pristine home.

How the Blaze Began

Miller’s grill had been operating for roughly 45 minutes before a sudden flame erupted. The blaze began at the grill’s burner, an area that had become heavily coated in grease and debris. The WSMV article notes that the grill was positioned less than six feet from the wooden porch railings—a distance that the Kentucky Fire Prevention Association (KFPA) website warns is too close for safety. The heat from the grill ignited the porch’s wooden posts, and the flames quickly spread to the deck’s floorboards, which were also coated in a layer of oil and food residue.

Miller tried to extinguish the flames with a bucket of water, but the fire had already spread too far. “I tried to splash it down, but the fire kept growing,” Miller told reporters. “I could hear the wood creaking, and then I realized the front of the house was on fire too.”

Within 10 minutes, a large portion of the house’s exterior walls and the front porch were engulfed. By the time the local fire department arrived—reportedly at 7:02 p.m.—the blaze had already damaged the roof’s wooden framework and compromised the structural integrity of the house’s front wall.

Fire Department Response

The Shelby County Fire Department (SCFD) dispatched two engine trucks, a ladder truck, and a rescue unit to the scene. According to the SCFD’s incident log posted on its website, the crew managed to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes, but the damage to the house was already done. Firefighters used a combination of water and foam to extinguish the remaining flames on the roof and the porch, but the heat had already caused significant structural weakening.

“Firefighters worked hard to save the home’s structure, but the front wall and roof were compromised beyond repair,” said Fire Chief Daniel Ortiz, quoted in the article. “The safest course was to evacuate the family and start the repair process.”

Displacement and Immediate Aftermath

Miller’s family had to move in with a relative in Lexington overnight. “I can’t even think about the house right now,” Miller said, tears in his eyes. The article reports that Miller’s insurance provider—state‑wide insurer Keystone Insurance—has opened a claim. An adjuster is expected to visit the site within 48 hours to assess the damage. “We’re looking at a preliminary estimate of $120,000 in repairs,” the adjuster told WSMV. “Given the extent of the damage—particularly the roof and the front wall—most of that will be covered under the homeowner’s policy, but some costs may be out of pocket.”

Miller also expressed concern about the safety of his children. “We’re trying to get them settled somewhere safe,” he said. “I’m worried about how long it will take to get everything back.”

Safety Tips and Prevention

The WSMV piece linked to the KFPA’s “Grill Safety Guidelines” page, which highlights best practices such as:

• Position the grill at least 10 feet from any structure—including decks, porches, and walls—to prevent accidental fires.
• Keep the grill on a non‑combustible surface like a concrete pad or metal grill table.
• Never leave a grill unattended when it’s lit.
• Clean the grill regularly to remove grease buildup that can ignite.
• Have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby.

In a note to readers, the KFPA website also advises homeowners to have a working smoke detector installed on every level of the house and to conduct a fire safety walk‑through at least twice a year.

A Broader Trend

The article referenced a 2024 WSMV report that recorded 32 similar incidents in Kentucky over the previous year—most involving backyard grill fires. “Grill‑related incidents are on the rise, especially during the hot summer months,” said KFPA spokesperson Dr. Emily Carter. “We’re urging homeowners to be vigilant and follow proper safety procedures.”

Miller’s story is a stark reminder that even a small kitchen appliance can become a catastrophic hazard if used improperly. The WSMV article concludes by encouraging viewers to take preventive measures and to check with local fire departments for additional resources.

Moving Forward

Miller has already begun the process of filing an insurance claim and exploring options for temporary housing. His home’s roof has been inspected by a licensed contractor, and a preliminary estimate suggests that a complete roof replacement and extensive structural repairs will cost around $75,000. The family’s long‑term goal is to rebuild their home with improved fire‑resistant materials and to incorporate a new fire suppression system.

While the emotional toll of losing a home is immeasurable, Miller remains hopeful. “We’re going to get through this,” he said. “I just want to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

The WSMV article provides a sobering look at how quickly a routine activity can spiral out of control and offers both a personal narrative and a call to action for home‑owners across Kentucky.