Oil-Stained Rags Catch Fire in Garage

The Westport Fire Department responded to a fire in a detached garage at 46 Kings Highway South around 5:40 p.m. today. The fire was contained to a pile of oil-stained rags and a few cans of stain. Personal items were damaged by the heat and smoke. 

The Westport Fire Department responded with four Engines, a Rescue and a command car. The fire was extinguished and fire engines were back in service in less than an hour, according to a news release.

The Westport Fire Department reminds residents how quickly spontaneous  combustion can occur. The department asks residents to use extreme caution when discarding oil-based finish and linseed-oil soaked rags. Never bundle up those rags and leave them inside a structure, the department advises.

These rags can ignite in less than an hour. They should be separated and left outside to dry before disposing them. The rags can be safely stored in a metal fire proof can while  waiting for proper disposal.