A massive fire that destroyed one home and damaged another early Tuesday morning was started by an improperly disposed-of cigarette butt, according to the state Fire Marshal's office.
No residents or firefighters were hurt after a three-alarm fire leveled a home at 27 Town Farm Road. The blaze was first reported at 1:09 a.m. Tuesday, with first responders reporting heavy fire at the rear of the home. Within minutes, the house was fully engulfed.
A press release from state Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey and Ipswich fire Chief Andre Theriault said the blaze started on an outdoor deck on the back of the property, where a resident routinely smoked Marlboro Menthol 100s.
"As more people smoke outdoors rather than inside, many building fires begin on decks, porches and exterior stairways," Ostroskey said in the statement.