Naugatuck FD: Wood Stove Caused Fire That Destroyed Antique Cars

Fire officials believe that a woodstove that may have been improperly installed too close to a set of cabinets was what caused a fire that destroyed a garage and a trio of antique vehicles earlier this month.

Fire Chief Kenneth Hanks said fire marshals believe the woodstove was built too close to a set of wooden cabinets inside the garage, causing the cabinets to catch fire during the evening of Jan. 8.

The  responded around 6 p.m. . Firefighters successfully put the fire out and while no one was injured, the garage - as well as a pair of antique cars, a truck and a motorcycle - were all destroyed. 

Officials never put a price tag on the total cost of the damage, however it was estimated to be in the thousands of dollars.

The cabinets, which were older, could have dried out over a period of time, making them susceptible to fires at lower temperatures, Hanks explained. He noted that such a stove could have been installed years ago, prior to the implimentation of regulations on wood stoves and nearby objects.

Fire officials ruled out any criminal activity and they do not believe the fire was intentionally set, Hanks said.