HADLEY — A Hadley family was displaced from a Quinlan Drive home on Sept. 30 after a fire that began in the living space above the attached two-car garage damaged the residence.
The fire started accidentally with smoking materials, according to Hadley Fire Chief Michael H. Spanknebel and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.
Three adults were at home and called 911 after smelling smoke at about 4:50 p.m., escaping safely from the dwelling. No injuries were reported.
“If this fire had broken out a few hours later, when they were sleeping, it could have been a very different story,” Spanknebel said.
“Smoking materials are the number one cause of fire deaths in Massachusetts and the nation,” Spanknebel said. “There’s no truly safe way to smoke.”
He advised that if a resident or a guest does smoke, to use a heavy ashtray with water or sand, and make sure the cigarette or whatever object is being smoked is put out entirely.
Hadley firefighters responding found heavy fire venting from the windows above the garage, making a quick exterior attack before additional crews entered the home and garage to ensure the fire had been contained and not extended to the rest of the structure.
Mutual aid was provided by Amherst, Northampton, Pelham, South Hadley Fire District 1, South Hadley Fire District 2 and Sunderland.
The origin and cause of the fire were investigated by the Hadley Fire Department and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. They determined the fire began in the rear of the attic above the garage, and that it was accidental based on observing smoking materials that had been used earlier that day.
“Smoking fires are especially dangerous because they can smolder quietly before anyone is aware of the danger,” Davine said. “All it takes is an ember to start a fire that can badly damage a home and put people in harm’s way.”