News  Smoking Materials Discarded into Potted Plant Cause of Westfield Fire

WESTFIELD — State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Westfield Fire Chief Mary Reagan said the cause of yesterday’s fire at the Powder Mill Apartments that displaced 21 families was the improper disposal of smoking materials. The fire originated on a back deck where smokers discarded their butts into a dried out potted plant in a plastic pot. “Not only are plastic pots flammable, but the chemical fertilizers in commercially purchased plants are also flammable. Cigarettes can smolder for a long time, especially outdoors where a breeze can easily fan them back to life or keep them burning,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey.

Chief Regan said, “It is important that smokers use appropriate containers for cigarette butts. A can filled with sand or water is the best for outside use.” She added, “We have had a number of fires lately caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials. Discarding cigarettes into mulch or dried leaves and grass can easily start a major a fire that can grow undetected on the exterior of a building.”

The Westfield Fire and Police Departments and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal jointly investigated this fire.