Massive Falmouth House Fire Caused By Wood Ashes: Officials

FALMOUTH, MA — Wood ashes were blamed for a fire that heavily damaged a Falmouth home on Providence Street early Monday. The fire broke out at about 1:45 a.m. and drew dozens of firefighters from surrounding communities. No one was hurt.

Massachusetts Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey on Tuesday said an investigation revealed the improper disposal of wood ashes caused the blaze.

"The residents had placed woodstove ashes on the rear deck in a plastic trash container earlier in the day," Ostroskey said in a statement. "The fire grew undetected on the exterior of the home."

Ostroskey added, “We have had several fires in the past few weeks started when ashes from pellet and woodstoves were stored in a plastic bag or container right next to the house, under or on the deck, or in the garage. A single ember can easily be fanned back to life by a breeze, and these fires grow undetected outside the house where there are no smoke alarms to give early warning of danger.”

Ostroskey urged homeowners to put wood ashes in a metal can with a lid to prevent a flare up.

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• Falmouth House Fire On Providence Street

Photos: The scene of a fire in Falmouth on Providence Street March 26, 2018. (Credit: Falmouth Fire/Rescue)