Fire at Shop Blamed on Oil-Soaked Rags
County fire investigators have determined that a fire that gutted a Simi Valley business and damaged a second was caused after rags soaked in linseed oil spontaneously ignited.
The 90-minute blaze, which started shortly before 5 a.m. Wednesday in a business in a complex at 580 Easy St., burned fast and hot, destroying Randy Miller’s RFP Welding shop as well as a unit containing several of his vintage cars.
Fire officials estimated the loss at about $500,000.
According to county Fire Department spokeswoman Sandi Wells, the rags were improperly stored and, after sitting for a long period, ignited, with flames spreading quickly throughout the 8,000-square-foot shop as they fed on chemicals and combustible welding gas.
No injuries were reported.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
