The BBQ Report

The smoldering coals of a tailgate barbecue ignited a fire that destroyed six vehicles in the parking lot at Qualcomm Stadium during a Charger’s game. The blaze also damaged four other nearby vehicles.

Shortly after kickoff of the exhibition game between the Chargers and the St. Louis Rams, the hot coals of a barbecue left in front of a Ford Mustang ignited six cars parked together in the parking lot. Some cars were reduced to blackened hulks while others had only their front or back ends destroyed. The fire burned away tires, leaving cars sitting on their rims. Shattered glass lined the rows between the burnt vehicles. Fenders were melted away.

Police say whomever left the coals ignored the safe disposal areas set up to preven these types of problems. There are concrete barrels with the words “Hot Coals” emblazoned on them in red around the Qualcomm parking lot. One was located a half-dozen car lengths from the smoldering barbecue.