An effort to quiet a portable generator ended in a Halloween-night blaze that left two outbuildings badly damaged in West Bath, Maine.
Here's what to know
Inside one of the buildings at 15 Abby Lane, a resident and a friend used the generator to power work lights while repairing a vehicle, according to Q106.5.
Investigators believe the generator caused the accidental fire because it lacked proper ventilation. State fire marshals investigated after crews extinguished the blaze. Thankfully, no one was injured.
More background
Concern about noise reaching nearby homes prompted the use of a wooden box and a moving blanket to dampen the sound, investigators said.
Generators need ventilation to operate safely. Enclosing one can trap heat, which is especially risky when surrounding materials can burn.
What can be done?
It's important to follow the manufacturer's specifications for portable-generator setup, the report advised.
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Don't use wooden boxes or moving blankets to quiet operating equipment. For generator placement, the report recommended an outdoor location with good ventilation.
"At the time of the fire, the generator was operating and supplying power for lighting while a resident and a friend were working on a vehicle inside the outbuilding," the investigators said. "The individuals reported that the generator suddenly shut down. Upon investigating, they discovered a fire near the generator."
Where can I learn more?
This isn't the only example of inappropriate generator use causing problems.
• A Minnesota cabin owner found a generator engulfed in flames, prompting a rethink of the shed.
• An inverter generator owner's search for rain protection drew suggestions involving umbrellas and kiddie pools.
• A homeowner's generator shed reached 125°F during a two-hour load test, with one hot spot remaining.
• A Texas owner warned a fence near the generator could create a hazard along the property line.
• A Pacific Northwest homeowner considered a deck corner for propane generator placement, raising exhaust concerns.
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