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.
Cox Media Group