Watertown Fire investigation finds the cause of structure fire on 5/20/14 at 1500 10th Avenue South East at Auto Body Solutions as follows: The fire started on the outside of the structure in the area of a smoking receptacle used for discarded cigarette butts. The fire service has seen an increase in fires that start on the outside of a building from plastic smoking receptacles and plants with potting soil in plastic pots. This type of fire smolders for a long period of time. If you walk by and notice smoke coming from cigarette butt receptacles or potted plants, please help out and notify the business owner.
This is a public safety message to all businesses and residents of Watertown that any smoking pole, bucket, or container made of plastic used for discarded cigarettes should be replaced with an all metal or concrete container.
Thanks
Chip Premus
Watertown Fire Rescue Fire Investigator