If I had to guess it would be his cubs clothing starting on fire. At least I hope a fellow Brewer fan (especially a bfnetter) would never do something like this. I do have to agree that it isn't all that surprising though given the circumstances. If you do end up having to replace it, I saw Kohl's had the Q200 for $169 a couple weeks ago and there are always Kohls coupons floating around. I can imagine your disappointment - I am a fellow Weber Q owner and it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. Tailgating has become so much easier since I bought it. And I will put it up there cooking-wise against just about any full sized grill. You can sear a steak beautifully on it. If anyone is looking for a fairly quick way to clean theirs, spray it heavily with grill/oven cleaner, let it soak for a while, scrape the really stuck on stuff off with a plastic putty knife or something similar, and then hit it with a pressure washer. You may have to respray and soak with the cleaner and then hit it again with the pressure washer, but it works like a charm! P.S. sorry for your loss