Rags with Linseed Oil Caused Huntington Street Fire

The fire on Huntington Street between School and Garden streets was caused by “spontaneous combustion” of linseed soaked rags that were not properly disposed of, according to the city’s fire marshal.

The fire on Oct. 21, at around 8 p.m., started in the garage and storage area and quickly moved into the apartment building. Four people were displaced after the fire but no one was injured.

In a statement, Concord Fire Chief Dan Andrus reported that the fire was determined to be accidental.

Sean Brown, the city’s fire marshal, said that the fire was caused by the “improper storage and disposal of rags and combustible materials soaked with linseed oil,” but could have been worse.

“Spontaneous combustion caused the rags to ignite and the fire spread to nearby materials and throughout all levels of the structure,” Brown said. “Quick action by fire crews kept the damage to a minimum in the residential areas of the three level structure.”

Brown said it was important for the public to handle rags safely and properly. Rags should first be placed on dirt or pavement to dry and then placed in a metal container that is air-tight, he said. The container should be filled with water and sealed, Brown suggested. The container should then be thrown away during household hazardous materials collection days, he said. 

“Persons or businesses that regularly use rags that may become soaked with oil should utilize listed containers designed for oily rags and make arrangements for a waste disposal company to collect the rags,” he said.