Westport's Patio.com Store Almost Goes Up in Flames

The Westport Fire Marshal's office is investigating the cause of a fire that started Saturday on the outside of the Patio.com store.

Firefighters responded to the Post Road East furniture store at 6:18 p.m. on March 15 and encountered "heavy fire" on the outside, with the building being exposed.

A coordinated attack commenced — with a hose line stretched to douse the flames, interior and roof overhang checked for potential fire extension, and overhaul completed — and the fire was placed "under control" in 20 minutes. 

There were 16 firefighters on scene from four engine companies, a truck company, and the shift commander. 

While the cause has not been determined, Westport Now reported that there was speculation the fire started after someone didn't properly dispose of a cigarette.

A reminder in the incident report from Shift Commander John Plofkin Jr. suggests there may be credence to that.

"Residents are reminded to please dispose of discarded smoking materials in proper receptacles and never throw them in wooded areas or near combustible items," he said.