Pillows Next To Gas Fireplace Ignite In Westport Home: Fire Officials

WESTPORT, CT — Pillows that were stored too close to a gas fireplace ignited in a home on Terra Nova Circle Wednesday, which Westport firefighters were able to extinguish, according to officials.

No injuries were reported in the blaze, which was called in by the homeowner at about 7:20 p.m., after noticing the home filling up with smoke.

"Firefighters arrived and found smoke throughout the basement and first floor of the house," said Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Gootman in a statement. "Firefighters found a small in fire in the basement due to combustibles being stored too close to a gas fireplace. The fire was quickly extinguished."

The fire department sent three engines, one ladder truck, and the shift commander (Gootman) to the home.

Gootman offered some advice to residents after the fire. "The National Fire Protection Association recommends keeping anything that burns at least three feet away from heating equipment, including fireplaces."