Oily Rag Combustion Caused Lexington Maple Street Fire

LEXINGTON, MA — A house fire in Lexington that caused $500,000 in damage and sent eight first responders to the hospital was caused by oily rags that weren't thrown away properly, according to the state fire marshal.

The fire broke out at 4 a.m. in a home on Maple Street on Jan. 29. Two Lexington police officers ran into a burning home to help evacuate the residents and pets inside. Lexington firefighters put out the fire that quickly grew to three alarms.

Lexington Fire Chief Derek S. Sencabaugh and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey announced that the fire started in a dumpster against the outside the garage that contained oil soaked rags and empty linseed oil cans, intermingled with wood, paper, cardboard, and other trash. The balled up oily rags spontaneously combusted starting the fire.

“Many people are not aware that oil soaked rags can generate their own heat and start a fire, especially when mixed with other items that can easily ignite. It is important to lay them flat to dry, preferably outdoors, then dispose of them properly,” said Chief Sencabaugh.

The fire caused about $500,000 in damage to the home.