Spontaneous combustion of towels blamed for restaurant fire

Spontaneous combustion is being blamed for a Thursday morning fire at Chipotle Steak and Seafood Grill in the town of Saugerties, Barclay Heights, New York, according to a fire official.
Glasco Fire Chief Michael Sasso III said the blaze, reported at about 6:45am, was contained primarily to the kitchen but that the rest of the restaurant sustained substantial smoke, heat and water damage. The restaurant was closed at the time and there were no injuries.

The chief said the Ulster County Arson Task Force’s preliminary conclusion was the fire was caused by the spontaneous combustion of towels that had been laundered and placed in a plastic bag.

Sasso said firefighters from the Glasco, Saugerties, Ulster Hose and Mount Marion departments fought the blaze, was which under control in about 10 minutes.