Ashes From Wood Stove Burn Through Floor Of Naugatuck Home: FD

NAUGATUCK, CT — Ashes from a wood-burning stove burned through the floor of a Naugatuck home over the weekend, prompting fire officials to warn residents to avoid the "dangerous practice." No injuries were reported.

The homeowner had placed the ashes in a plastic bag, believing that they were safe because they felt cold, according to fire officials.

"Although the ash felt cold there was enough heat to light the bag and burn through the floor," fire officials wrote on Facebook (see below). "This is not uncommon, but is a dangerous practice. Ash can retain heat for several days and can ignite combustible materials."

Such ashes should be stored outside the home in a sealed metal container, authorities said.

"The presence of working smoke detectors alerted the family and minimized damage to the house."