The Mercer Island Fire Department responded to a residential automatic fire alarm, which was immediately upgraded to a structure fire, at 3:12 a.m. on July 21 in the 8200 block of SE 30th St.

Arriving on scene within minutes, Island firefighters were able to extinguish the fire with no extension beyond the exterior of the building. The fire originated in the rear of the structure at a propane barbecue that was last used at 6 p.m. the previous evening, according to a statement from Deputy Chief Les Kenworthy.

The three story home was occupied when the fire started and was safely evacuated when fire units arrived. Flames from the building were visible by firefighters on arrival.

Firefighters extinguished the fire by 3:20 a.m. with a single attack hose line, using exterior offensive tactics in which personnel fight the fire from outside of the structure while other personnel search for extension of fire inside. The building sustained limited damage caused by fire, heat, water and smoke.

Seven Mercer Island Firefighters extinguished the fire and were assisted with ventilation and support by five Bellevue firefighters, with a total of nine fire apparatus dispatched.

Preliminary damage estimates to the building and contents are $50,000.