Salem House Fires Started With Wood Stove Ashes

Photos courtesy: Joe Parrott/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - Investigators with Salem Fire say improperly discarded wood stove ashes were the cause of today's fire that damaged two homes in southeast Salem.

Fire Department Spokesman Joe Parrott says the resident of 4775 Pullman Ave SE placed ashes from their wood stove into a plastic yard debris recycling container early this morning.

"The ashes apparently contained enough residual heat and embers to ignite the container. The fire damaged the natural gas meter causing the gas leak."

Earlier in the investigation, firefighters could not determine if the leaking natural gas meter between the two burning structures was the cause of the fire, or a result of damage from the heat and flames. It complicated firefighting efforts and crews from the gas company were called out to repair the meter.

Parrott says damage to 4775 Pullman Ave SE is estimated at $100,000, while damage to the adjacent home is estimated at $70,000.

"Fireplace and wood stove ashes should never be assumed to be safe. Ashes should be placed in a metal container and set well away from combustible material."

There were no injuries.

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