Maine State Fire Officials Say Improperly Disposed Rags Likely Caused Fire In Waterville Home

Officials with the Maine State Fire Marshal's Office believe rags that were not properly disposed of were to blame for a fire that broke out at a Waterville home Tuesday morning.

According the the Maine Department of Public Safety, officials were called to a residence on 3 Aubrey Street at 10:30 AM March 17th, after firefighters extinguished a fire at the home.

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Luckily, fire crews were able to keep the fire contained to a porch, although the porch did sustain heavy fire damage. The rest of the house suffered only minor damage due to smoke.

During their investigation, officials with the Fire Marshal's office found a trash bag full of rags covered in oil-based paint and stain, which are known to be combustible.

"When confined, staining rags can spontaneously combust and cause a fire. The Fire Marshal's Office would like to remind everyone that staining rags should be disposed of safely, outside the residence or garage. It is recommended rags be submerged in a bucket of water or laid out flat to dry on a non-combustible surface such as a dirt or paved driveway."

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Fire safety experts say you can also put combustible rags in a metal container with a lid, much like you would ashes from a wood fire, and fill that container with enough water to cover them. They also recommend against dumping and paint, stain or solvent down the drain, for similar reasons.

And if you have questions about materials you believe might be hazardous to dispose of, it's always best to ask a professional, or call your fire department for guidance.