Fire ruled accidental
PUTNAM — The cause of a fire at an East Putnam home has been determined as accidental, according to Putnam Fire Marshal Scott Belleville.
April 5 the East Putnam Fire Department. along with automatic aid from several local fire departments, found a kitchen fire on the second floor at 20 Joslin Road. Firefighters extinguished the fire containing the flames to the kitchen; however, there was extensive smoke and heat damage throughout the entire second story.
Belleville said combustible materials on the stove top were ignited when the stove top burner was inadvertently turned on. Occupants were unaware that the burner was on and left the room only to be alerted to the fire minutes later when they smelled smoke.
The Red Cross assisted 2 adults and 1 child who resided on the second floor and are still displaced due to the fire. The two first floor residents were allowed to return to the home after an electrician isolated circuits damaged from the fire. No injuries were reported.
Belleville reminded people to keep combustibles and clutter clear from stove and counter tops.
to prevent accidents from occurring. In addition, closing doors when rooms are not in use or when you leave the home will help to contain the fire and lessen smoke and fire damage. Always have working smoke alarms to alert occupants when there is a fire.