Smoking Deemed Cause Of North Reading House Fire

NORTH READING, MA — Tuesday's fire at a home in North Reading was caused by the improper use or disposal of smoking materials, according to State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey.

The fire spread from the porch of the Lowell Road home and into the rooms, causing $50,000 of damage. Three residents were inside but an off-duty North Reading police sergeant helped rescue them before firefighters came.

Cigarettes were disposed in a plastic planter next to the home, officials said.

North Reading Fire Chief Don Stats said, “Working smoke alarms are your first line of defense in a fire, where time is your enemy. It is crucial to respond immediately to that early warning as you may have less than three minutes to escape the average house fire.” He added, “Practice your home escape plan. Make sure you have and know two ways out of every room and have a meeting place outside.”

State Fire Marshal Ostroskey said, “Smoking is a leading cause of fire deaths. Learn to be a responsible smoker. Put it out. All the way. Every time.” He added, “Use a large sturdy ashtray and empty it into a metal container with sand or water; don’t use plastic containers or dried out potted plants that can catch fire.”