Greenwood Avenue Structure Fire 'More Probably Than Not' Caused by Discarded Cigarette

According to a press release issued by Bethel Fire Marshal Tom Galliford, it was determined that Friday's  was "an accidental fire caused more probably than not by a discarded cigarette on the third floor rear exterior porch."

Galliford's press release also confirmed the following:   

The Bethel and Stony Hill Fire Departments responded to the fire at approximately 1:10 p.m. Friday and encountered a fire in the ceiling of the third floor apartment.

"The fire had a significant advancement in the entire ceiling and roof area and firefighters spent several hours battling the flames. Multiple mutual aid companies from surrounding towns were called in to assist in the stubborn fire." 

No injuries were sustained to occupants or firefighters. to the three tenants displaced by the fire.

"We would like to remind homeowners and tenants to be careful of smoking materials and making sure they are properly extinguished and placed in a metal container away from combustible materials, as well as to be extra careful this spring with any type of outdoor fires as the brush and leaves in the wooded areas remains very dry, prompting the CT DEP to issue red flag warnings for brush fires today," Galliford said.  "And as always, be sure to have working smoke detectors on every level of your home or apartment and check the batteries monthly. It could save your life."