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Combusting Rags Cited As Possible Cause Of Fire That Killed 3 Horses

A fire destroyed most of a barn, workshop and apratment at Muddy Brook Farm in Amherst, Massachsuetts, on November 3, 2019.
Scott Merzbach
/
Daily Hampshire Gazette / gazettenet.com
A fire destroyed most of a barn, workshop and apratment at Muddy Brook Farm in Amherst, Massachsuetts, on November 3, 2019.

A fire that killed three horses in Amherst, Massachusetts, on Sunday could have been caused by rags used in painting projects.

The blaze at Muddy Brook Farm destroyed most of a barn, workshop and apartment. Three people and six horses made it out safely.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services arrived Sunday morning to investigate.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Mieth said the cause is believed to be accidental, but it has not been determined.

"My understanding is that there was a bucket of rags that had been used in painting and staining projects, which is quite often a cause of spontaneous combustion fires," Mieth said.

After a fire at Palmer High School last March, the department said spontaneous combustion of rags soaked in linseed oil was the cause.

Mieth said oily rags should be spread out to dry. Otherwise, the chemicals can create their own heat and ignite the material.

The Department of Fire Services has provided detailed guidance on the safe disposal of rags used in painting and staining work.  

Before joining New England Public Media, Alden was a producer for the CBS NEWS program 60 Minutes. In that role, he covered topics ranging from art, music and medicine to business, education and politics.