Fire Heavily Damages Birch St Home

South Burlington Fire Department

Office of the City Fire Marshal

575 Dorset St.

South Burlington, VT  05403

846-4134

For Immediate Release

August 5, 2014

Fire Heavily Damages Birch St Home

At 10:26 PM South Burlington Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 27 Birch St. Multiple 911 calls reported a house under construction had fire coming from the center of the house.  Firefighters arrived less than six minutes later and encounter a single story,  wood framed house at the rear of property at 27 Birch St.,  70% involved in fire.  Fire fighters were able to contain the fire to the building of origin in less than 15 minutes. South Burlington Fire fighters were assisted at the scene by Vermont Air National Guard – E-7, and Burlington Fire Department’s - Tower 1.  Medical coverage for firefighters was provided by UVM Rescue. Williston Fire Department provided Fire/EMS coverage to the City during the incident.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters during the incident. No residents were displaced as a result of the fire.There was moderate radiant heat damage to abutting property. A total of 18 firefighters were at the scene until 02:15 Hrs.

The single family home was under construction at the time of the fire. A neighbor was alerted to the fire by the sound of the new home’s smoke alarm. The property is owned by Robert Provost of South Burlington. Damage is estimated at $300,000.  The building is fully insured.

The South Burlington Fire Marshal’s Office completed the origin and cause investigation this afternoon. It was determined that the accidental fire was started when workers, who were staining a hardwood floor, had improperly disposed of the oil impregnated rags and towels in a plastic trash can inside the building.  These volatile oils are likely to combust spontaneously if improperly disposed,

This is the  third fire in the city in the past month that has been caused in this fashion.  Total property loss from these events arein excess of $500,000.

Fire fighters urge citizens to read and follow all directions on the products used for refinishing. Impregnated rags should be placed in a meatal container with a tight lid until they can  be disposed of properly.

For further information please contact :  Deputy Chief Terry Francis at 363-4656.

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