Hot barbecue coals dumped into a garbage can ignited a fire Sunday, May 27 on Cedar Avenue in North Morro Bay that destroyed three vehicles, including a BMW roadster and destroyed a duplex. There were no injuries reported.

The fire started in the duplex’s carport brought down electrical wires onto a fire engine and ruptured the gas line too. A second home next door was damaged in the blaze that sent a black plume of smoke hundreds of feet into the sky that could be seen for miles, but caused just minor damage, according to the City of Morro Bay.

The Morro Bay Fire Department got assistance with the fire from Cal Fire, Cayucos Fire and SLO City Fire departments, and Morro Bay Police also assisted.

MBFD reminds residents to make sure barbecue coals are completely cold before disposing of them in a garbage can or dumpster. According to the fire department, the coals that started this fire were even doused with water after being used the day before and left overnight before being dumped into the trash, and still they ignited. Coals should be stirred and a hand placed over them to feel for heat before they are disposed of.