Cause Of Damaging Fire At Huge Saugus Home Revealed

SAUGUS, MA – A three-alarm fire that caused an estimated $750,000 of damage at a Saugus home Tuesday started after rags used to stain the back deck spontaneously combusted, fire officials said.

State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey and Saugus Fire Chief Michael Newbury said workers had been in 81 Juniper Driver painting and refinishing the floor. The fire started on the back deck, where supplies that included a pile of rags were stored.

Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion. The homeowners were not home, with reports indicating they are on an overseas missions trip.

Much of the roof of the home, which is more than 2,000 square feet, was missing Tuesday as firefighters worked the home in extreme heat.

"It is important to dispose of oily rags by hanging or spreading them out flat outdoors," Newbury said. "Professionals should dispose of them in a listed oily waste container and do-it-yourselfers should put them in an airtight container with a lid like a paint can and cover them with a solution of detergent and water. Then dispose of at a hazardous waste collection event."

Local and state officials are still investigating the fire.

Photo by Mike Carraggi, Patch