Careless Disposal Of Woodstove Ashes Causes Fire In Pembroke

PEMBROKE, NH — Pembroke fire and rescue teams were sent to Smith Avenue on Sunday for a house fire.

When they arrived, at just before 9:30 a.m., firefighters found two trash bins burning up against the home. The fire from the bins ignited the vinyl siding on the home, according to Chief Paul Gagnon. Firefighters extinguished the fire and removed the siding to check for fire extension.

Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be “careless disposal of woodstove ashes” in the receptacle which ignited the contents of the trash.

Gagnon said homeowners should only use a metal container with “a suitable tight-fitting cover” for all ashes.

“The metal container should be stored away from the structure as woodstove ashes can stay hot for several days after they are removed from the stove,” he added.

Damage to the home was estimated to be $5,000.

The homeowner sustained an injury attempting to extinguish the fire, Gagnon said.

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