Fire Officials Warn Of Hidden Danger After Fredericksburg House Fire

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Improperly discarded rags used to apply linseed oil spontaneously combusted and caused a structure fire Monday morning in Fredericksburg, according to city fire officials.

The Fredericksburg Emergency Communications Center received a report of a fire around 7:05 a.m. Monda, in the 1200 block of Stafford Avenue, according to the City of Fredericksburg.

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Firefighters arrived shortly afterward and deployed multiple hose lines to extinguish the blaze. Fredericksburg firefighters were assisted by Spotsylvania County Fire and Stafford County Fire and Rescue.

Occupants Escape Without Injury

The structure was occupied when the fire started, but everyone inside was able to evacuate on their own. Firefighters conducted a secondary search and confirmed that no one remained inside.

No injuries were reported.

The Fredericksburg Fire Marshal's Office conducted an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire and determined it resulted from improperly discarded rags that had been used to apply linseed oil.

Rags containing linseed oil and other oily substances can generate heat and spontaneously combust when they are not properly handled and discarded, fire officials said.

The city referred residents to guidance from the National Fire Protection Association about safely handling and disposing of oily rags. Officials also encouraged residents to make sure smoke alarms are working when handling or storing oily rags.

The Fire Marshal's Office expects a full report on the fire to be available within several days.