Propane grill likely the cause of Merriam house fire

MERRIAM, Kan. -- Firefighters say a propane grill is likely the cause of a house fire in Merriam Sunday evening. 

Crews from Overland Park and Shawnee Fire Departments were called to a working house fire in the 9700 block of W. 56th Terr. around 7:20 p.m. 

When they arrived, they found smoke and fire visible from the back of the home and residents evacuating. 

Firefighters took only 15 minutes to bring the fire under control, containing most of the damage to the back of the home, the kitchen and a part of the attic. 

Crews rescued two cats from the home and all the residents made it out safely. 

Residents say they had just started a barbecue grill on the deck when the propane tank began spreading flames onto the home. 

Fire investigators say they believe the propane tank is responsible for the fire, but the exact cause is still under investigation.