Press Release - Smoking Cause of Ayer House Fire

February 24, 2020

Smoking Cause of Ayer House Fire

AYER ‒ Ayer Fire Chief Robert J. Pedrazzi and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said the cause of the February 22, 2020 fire at 20 Bligh Street in Ayer was the improper disposal of smoking materials. One adult and one child were taken to the hospital. One dog died in the fire. 

The fire originated on an exterior, wooden porch of the single family home. Residents smoked on the porch earlier in the day and used a small plastic wastebasket to dispose of the smoking materials. There was additional evidence of smoking under the porch and in the driveway. The fire was reported at 5:15 p.m. by a neighbor who alerted the residents. Another neighbor tried to put out the fire.

Chief Pedrazzi said, “We are fortunate that the sleeping residents were able to escape safely. Smoking materials can smolder for a long time before starting a fire. It is important to properly dispose of smoking materials in a can of sand or water, or a deep sturdy ashtray.” 

State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said, “Smoking is a leading cause of fire deaths. Learn to be a responsible smoker. Put it out. All the way. Every time.” 

For more information on how to prevent fires from smoking, visit Smoking Fire Safety.