On Monday, April 8, 2013 at 6:20 PM, the Purchase Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial alarm at 100 Manhattanville Road. Engine 238 and Tower Ladder 53 were met by security personnel upon arrival, who reported an odor of smoke on the first floor. The ensuing investigation led firefighters to an area under renovation, but inaccessible with keys provided by the premises. A moderate smoke condition observed through windows from the exterior prompted members to force entry where a large trash receptacle on wheels was found with smoldering contents. An adjacent fire exit provided swift removal of the receptacle from the building and subsequent extinguishment. All damage was contained to the trash receptacle, attributed to both the rapid fire department response and the automatic smoke detection system.

Among the charred construction materials, a pile of oily rags was uncovered at the bottom of the receptacle. As no other sources of ignition were present, it became clear that the fire was caused by spontaneous combustion of the oily rags. The premises reported that contractors had been applying finishes earlier in the day. The Harrison Building Department was requested to assist with code enforcement and units remained on scene to ventilate the building until returning to service at 8:12 PM.

Rags soaked in products with high volatile organic compounds such as oil-based paints, finishes, varnishes, and polyurethanes are prone to spontaneous combustion. Oxidation occurs as the oil dries, causing the combustible material to heat. Air trapped in the folds of a pile of rags may prevent this heat from dissipating, allowing the material to reach its ignition temperature. Oily rags should be hung outside or spread out flat to dry. Once dry, they should be stored in a sealed metal container filled with a solution of water and detergent to break down the oil. The rags may then be disposed of at a municipal hazardous waste collection center.