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Museum fire caused by spontaneous combustion of oily rags, fire officials say

GRAFTON, Mass. — A fire that broke out at the State Police Museum was caused by the spontaneous combustion of oily rags, officials said Monday.

The fire was reported Saturday night and destroyed a conference room on the second floor.

According to the Fire Marshal, workers had been refinishing wooden molding in the conference room before the fire started. The sawdust and stain-soiled rags were placed in a plastic trash bag before the workers left.

“As flammable oil from rags dry out, they produce heat," the Fire Marshal said. “When balled up with combustibles like sawdust, a fire can quickly start."

Galleries housing artifacts and exhibits suffered some smoke and water damage, but can still be viewed by the public.