Firefighters say a fire at a home earlier this week was caused by oily rags that were stored improperly.
The fire broke out just after 7 p.m. on Lakeview Drive in Verdi and the home was a total loss.
The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District is warning residents of the dangers of not storing or disposing oily rags correctly. The oil releases heat as the rags oxidize, and if they're dry they can spontaneously combust. To prevent this put rags into sealed metal container.
All Washoe County residents can obtain an ash can at no cost through Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.
For information on the District's Ash Can Program or for other fire prevention tips, go to www.tmfpd.us and follow www.twitter.com/TMFPD.
