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Firefighters arrived at a Coffin Avenue house on Monday, Dec. 27 around 7:45 a.m. to heavy smoke and flames exuding from the building, according to the State Department of Fire Services.
The two-alarm fire was determined to be sparked by an ashtray being emptied into a trash can in a screened-in room containing a hot tub.
Fire spread throughout the home after combustible materials in the trash can ignited, causing the total loss of the home. No injuries were reported, and the displaced residents were assisted by the Salvation Army and Red Cross.
Fire investigators conducted an investigation through interviews, examination of the scene, drone imagery, and an excavator to determine that the cause of the destruction was the improper disposal of smoking materials.
“Smoking materials have caused more than 2,200 structure fires in Massachusetts over the past five years,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “They are the leading cause of fatal fires here and nationwide. There’s no truly safe way to smoke, but you can make it a little less dangerous by doing it outside and using a heavy ashtray with water or sand. Never smoke in bed or when you’re drowsy or impaired.”
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