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Fire in Somerville building likely caused by propane tank explosion

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — A fire that broke out on the third floor of a triple decker in Somerville on Tuesday may have been caused by a gas grill.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, fire crews believe a propane tank explosion caused the third floor to go up in flames.

"The propane tank definitely caused to extend the fire into the third floor kitchen and the attic area," said the District Fire Chief Frank Lee.

No injuries were reported in this fire.

Neighbors say they saw the smoke coming from the third floor apartment of the building.

"We went outside to the backyard and we smelled a lot of smoke and we were thinking 'what is that?' so we went to the corner and saw the fire trucks, and saw it’s not only grilling - it’s something more than that," said Kosta, a neighbor.

Fire Chief Lee says this is the perfect time to remind people about the laws concerning gas grill and where you're not allowed to have them in the city. He says propane tanks and grills are illegal on any building or home in Somerville, saying grills need to be on the ground level, at least ten feet away from the building.

"Always stay and watch what’s going on with your grills, make sure they’re at least ten feet away from any structure and definitely check with your local fire department for their rules and regulations," said Fire Chief Lee.

Boston and surrounding towns have similar restrictions for grilling, where homes are so close together. The city of Boston prohibits grills from any rooftops, decks or balconies above the first floor, and a grill cannot be under an enclosed roof.

Gas grills in the city must be placed on ground level and need to be at least three feet from the building.

Fire crews say they respond to grill fires every summer that could have been prevented if homeowners weren't breaking the law.

You can find more information on your city or town's grill regulations on your fire department's website.

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