Carmichael Homeowner Speaks Out About Fireplace Safety After Home Fire

CARMICHAEL (CBS13) – A Carmichael homeowner is reminding people about fireplace safety after learning the lesson himself…the hard way.

Firefighters spent the morning at Chuck McLucas' home putting out a fire that started in a plastic garbage can and damaged both his home and a neighbor's.

"It was as high as the house and maybe a little bit higher than the house and just whole corner," explained McLucas.

It was fire that could have been prevented.  And McLucas knows that…now.

"It was shocking," said McLucas. "I'm a little surprised I had to learn it this way."

McLucas had a fire in his fireplace yesterday and put the embers in a plastic bin afterward.  When the bin didn't melt, he figured it was OK to put the bin in his trash can.

Sixteen hours later, the smoldering embers caught fire.

Sac Metro fire says Chuck isn't the only homeowner to dispose of ashes improperly.  The department will respond to about 100 similar fires during the fireplace season.

"We recommend putting them in a metal can and leaving them sit in your backyard for several weeks and bury them in your backyard as compost, don't put them in the garbage can," said Sac Metro Batt. Chief Darren Taylor.

McLucas talked with CBS13 hoping his story would help others from making the same mistake he did.