ORANGE – The Summit Street fire that displaced two families with children on Saturday afternoon was accidental and caused most likely by the improper disposal of smoking materials, according to Jake Wark, public information officer at the state Department of Fire Services.

Wark said the Orange Fire Department and troopers assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office collaborated on the investigation into the fire that started near an outdoor deck at the 2½-story duplex at 36 Summit St. Orange Fire Chief James Young previously mentioned the fire began shortly before 1 p.m. There were no injuries, though one firefighter experienced heat exhaustion and was evaluated on scene.

The blaze was reported by the occupants of one side of the duplex. Young said the building’s owners, who lived on the other side, were not home when the fire started. He said the American Red Cross dispatched a team out of Springfield the evening of the fire to assist both families with temporary housing.

Wark said this incident is a reminder to always use precaution with smoking materials.

“We want folks to use a steady ashtray,” he said, adding that it is ideal to have water or sand in it. “Be sure you put it out all the way every time.”

Wark also said cigarette butts and other smoking materials should never be discarded near grass or mulch.

Information from Recorder reporter Bella Levavi was used in this report.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.

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