OAKLAND — Fire officials say improper disposal of ashes from a wood stove caused a fire this week that destroyed an apartment house and barn in Oakland.
The fire chief says the ashes were placed in a lean-to attached to the barn. He says wind combined with dry leaves ignited the fire, which spread to the barn and house on Wednesday.
The fire has left the seven tenants of the two apartments homeless.
The fire chief recommends that people who place wood ashes in a metal container should make sure they are completely cool before dumping them. He told the Morning Sentinel that ashes should be placed at least 25 feet from anything combustible and water should be poured on them to ensure there is nothing that will light up.
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