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Newtown firefighters were called to the 8 Central Ave. home at 11:30 a.m. after neighbors spotted smoking coming from the 2-and-a-half-story wood-framed home, the State Fire Marshal's Office said. Fire crews found heavy fire on the upper floor and quickly escalated the blaze to three alarms.
It took hours before firefighters were able to put out the fire.
No one was injured.
An investigation found that the blaze began near the top of a staircase on the second floor, where rags used for staining had been left in a trash bag.
“If you’re painting, staining, or varnishing, dispose of rags and applicators safely,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “First, dry them individually outdoors. You can hang dry them or spread them out flat on the ground. Once they’re dry, place them in a can filled with water and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. An old paint can works perfectly. Then drop it off at a household hazardous waste collection in your community.”
The fire marshal's office said professionals should instruct their staff on how to store oily rags safely if they use them often.
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