'Smoking Materials' Likely Caused Massive Nantucket Hotel Fire

NANTUCKET, MA — The large fire that destroyed a Nantucket bed and breakfast over the weekend was likely caused by "smoking materials" the state Fire Marshal's office said.

Crews responded to a reported fire at the Veranda House around 6:45 a.m. Saturday morning, spreading to two nearby buildings and causing extensive damage to the point where three buildings involved were deemed a total loss.

"It began beneath the front porch, where smoke alarms inside couldn't immediately detect it," said Nantucket Fire Chief Stephen Murphy. "We're extremely fortunate that everyone made it out safely, and I want to recognize the heroic efforts of community members whose immediate action under dangerous conditions helped to save lives."

State Police Fire and Explosion launched an investigation with Nantucket's fire and police departments and found the fire started on the front porch, where the hotel stored its trash.

Murphy said a few people were injured in the blaze, but are expected to be okay. He did not say how many were injured or how severely.

In a statement, the Veranda House said all of their guests and staff got out of the building safely, but four firefighters were injured while battling the fire for nearly 12 hours. All of the firefighters have since been released.

"Smoking materials are the leading cause of fatal fires. If you still smoke, or if you have guests who do, it's extremely important to be sure all smoking materials are fully extinguished," said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey offering advice. "Never stub out a butt on a porch or stairway or toss it in a planter, mulch, or debris, where it can smolder unseen before igniting a fire. Use a heavy ashtray with water or sand and keep it on a sturdy surface. And be sure to put it out, all the way, every time."