February 29, 2024 | By Lisa Scagliotti

No one was home and no injuries were reported at a morning house fire on Railroad Street in Waterbury on Tuesday that officials have determined to be accidental.

*The home at 5 Railroad Street in Waterbury sustained damage estimated at $60,000 according to fire officials. Photo by Gordon Miller*

Waterbury Fire Chief Gary Dillon said the call came in at 8:35 a.m. and firefighters were at the single-family home at 5 Railroad St. six minutes later.

The crew arrived to find a fire on the first floor moving to the second floor, according to Det. Sgt. Matthew Hill of the Vermont State Police Fire and Explosions Investigations Unit.

They worked quickly to get the fire under control. “In 12 minutes from entry, we had the fire knocked down and conducted extensive overhaul,” Dillon said. “The single resident was not at home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries to anyone.”

*A firefighter works as smoke exits an upper ventilation space. Photo by Gordon Miller*

Neighbors initially spotted smoke and some flames coming from the front of the home. John Grenier, co-owner of the cafe next door, said he was driving by on his way to his office when he spotted the smoke. He stopped and joined other neighbors to knock on the door and call 911.

As is their practice with a structure fire, Dillon said that the Stowe Fire Department was called and their crew assisted at the scene.

Dillon notified state fire investigators to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Hill issued his report on Wednesday saying an examination of the scene found that the fire started on a couch in the first-floor living room.

“The fire was the result of improperly discarded smoking materials and is considered to be accidental in nature,” Hill wrote in his news release.

Damage to the home is estimated to be $60,000, investigators said.

Fire officials contacted the Red Cross to assist the homeowner, Michael Abare, 68. Red Cross spokesman Dan Dowling confirmed that the agency provided Abare with “financial assistance, blankets and comfort kits,” which contain some personal care items such as toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, etc.
Dillon noted that Trooper Ryan Riegler of the Vermont State Police was at the Main Street fire station at the time of the call. Riegler responded to assist with access to the building and with blocking the street as crews worked. Waterbury Ambulance also responded although none of the firefighters needed any aid, Dillon said.