Firefighters Extinguish Porch Fire At Monroe Home, Cause Linked To Sawdust Combustion

MONROE, CT — Volunteer firefighters responded just after midnight Friday to a Woodlawn Road home after a passerby reported flames on the front porch, according to the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department.

Crews quickly contained the fire before it spread to the house. Investigators said the likely cause was spontaneous combustion of a large pile of sawdust left from a wood floor refinishing project.

The incident was one of several recent calls that have kept local volunteers busy. Over the past eight days, townwide fire companies have handled overnight responses on five occasions, as well as smaller incidents including a dumpster fire and a brush fire sparked by a downed wire.

No injuries were reported in the Woodlawn Road fire, and firefighters cleared the scene after ensuring the home was safe.