This is an update of a story originally posted at 7:22 a.m.
HOLYOKE - A fire that destroyed a two-family home on West Frankin Street early Tuesday started as a result of careless disposal of smoking according to a fire official.
Capt. Kevin Cavagnac said no one was injured in the 12:15 a.m. fire at 241-243 West Franklin, but a pet dog died in the fire. Five residents were able to escape
Investigators with the Holyoke Fire Department and the state Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire originated with smoking materials that were not fully extinguished and then allowed to smolder.
The fire caused significant damage to the second floor and the attic. Cavagnac said the home has been declared a total loss.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, flames were visible from the second floor and attic. He said it was difficult for firefighters to reach the fire from the inside, and they had to attack it mostly from the exterior. It took roughly an hour to bring the fire under control.
Cavagnac said the only safe way to put out cigarettes and other smoking materials is to either soak them with water or stamp them out in a sand-filled ashtray.
According to city records, the property is owned by Patricia Hart and has a total assessed value of $158,500.