Official: Fire caused by discarded fireplace ashes

The fire that heavily damage a house in Schodack on Tuesday was caused by discarded fireplace ashes.

The fire broke out at around 9:30 a.m. 2041 Brookview Road.

Ashes placed into a metal garbage can on the back deck were not fully extinguished, according to Jay Wilson, director of the Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety.

Wilson said it is a reminder to be careful with fires.

“We’ve probably had a half-a dozen fires or more in the county, where people didn’t properly discard of the ashes from their fireplace, or let them cool or wet them down. And it’s unfortunate,” he said.

Two dogs died in the fire.

A GoFundMe has been started to help the family rebuild.

MORE: Schodack fire GoFundMe