SPRINGFIELD – A weekend house fire that displaced nine people was caused by careless disposal of smoking materials, investigators ruled.
The fire started at about 2:25 p.m. on Saturday in a two-family home at 17-19 Washington St. No one was injured in the blaze, Fire Department officials said.
The first firefighters on the scene found the second-floor porch engulfed in flames. The flames heavily damaged the porch and part of the second floor of the home, fire officials said.
Investigators from the Arson and Bomb Squad determined the fire was started on the second floor porch. Residents were assisted by the American Red Cross of Western Massachusetts, officials said.
