Dufault St Shed Fire Deemed Accidental
Putnam, Conn. - Following an extensive investigation the Putnam Fire Marshal’s Office has deemed the cause of the fire, which claimed a shed and damaged 2 residences, to be accidental in nature.
On the morning of June 22nd, 2023 the Putnam Fire Department was dispatched to 31 Dufault St for a reported shed fire. Arriving unit discovered a heavily involved 10’x10’ shed located between two residences. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and keep the damage to both homes, 23 and 31 Dufault St, minimal. No injuries occurred as a result of the fire.
According to the Putnam Fire Marshal’s Office, “An origin and cause investigation conducted by the Putnam Fire Marshals Office determined that the fire originated on the exterior of the 10’X10’ shed located at 23 Dufault St. Through interviews and fire pattern analysis it was concluded that the fire originated in a metal bucket used for the storage of rags which were used to clean painting tools. The bucket was then placed against the rear portion of the shed in an area of reduced ventilation. The solvent used by the homeowner to clean the paint has been documented to have the ability to self-heat to the temperature of autoignition.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 14,000 fires occur annually from spontaneous combustion. To prevent self-heating, it is important to soak rags in water or dry them in a well-ventilated area after use with certain solvents, paints, or oils before storing or disposing of them. Please read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use and methods of safe disposal.
If anyone has any further information concerning this incident, they’re asked to contact Putnam Fire Marshal Scott Belleville at (860) 963-6800 X112.
Our previous article and gallery on this fire can be found here.