BOURNE, Mass. — A pile of oily rags combusted igniting a fire at a Bourne, Massachusetts, millwork business, according to a joint statement from Bourne Fire Chief David S. Pelonzi. and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

The Jan. 10, four-alarm fire at M. L. Custom Woodwork started accidentally, investigators found, when the pile of rags were left out after use.

“The oils in some paints, stains, and varnishes release heat as they dry,” said Chief Pelonzi. “If the heat is trapped in a pile of rags or applicators, it can ignite. This is especially hazardous because ignition can occur hours after the rags were used, when no one is aware of the danger.”

The origin and cause of the fire were investigated by the Bourne Fire Department, Bourne Police Department, and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. They determined that the "fire began beneath a workbench in a finishing booth along the right side of the first floor," according to investigators. "Staining applicators had been in use and were stored in this area."

At approximately 6:3.0. p.m., the Bourne Fire Department responded to 150 State Road, in the community of Sagamore Beach, following a central station alarm. On arrival, the shift commander observed smoke showing and requested additional personnel and apparatus. The fire soon went to second, third, and fourth alarms due to the size of the building and scope of the fire. In light of the toxic and flammable chemicals used in some woodworking operations, the District 1 Hazmat team was requested for fireground air monitoring. Technicians found no imminent hazards to first responders or the community.

Firefighters from Bourne and about a dozen other local fire departments battled the blaze for about six hours before bringing it under control.

“This is a fact pattern that occurs more often than most people think,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “We often see it in homes under construction or where someone is performing a do-it-yourself project with flooring, furniture, or a deck. In this particular case, the large amount of sawdust, staining products, and wooden furniture at the site probably contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.”

For more than a decade, M.L. Custom Woodwork has provided custom cabinetry and woodwork for the greater Boston area. The company posted a statement on Facebook that due to the fire, "operations are temporarily suspended. We are currently assessing the situation and taking all necessary steps. We will keep everyone informed with further updates regarding the situation and the resumption of operations."