The 3,000-square-foot lodge at Four Springs Retreat, located outside of Middletown, burned Monday night, as Lake County News has reported.
The building at the 55-year-old resort was valued at about $800,000, according to fire officials.
Cal Fire said that its investigator from the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit concluded the inquiry into the cause and origin of the retreat's fire on Wednesday.
The investigation found that on midday Monday, the fire pit's ashes were improperly disposed of, with someone placing the ashes into a plastic bag, then placing the plastic bag into a cardboard box next to the structure.
Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit Chief Tim Streblow recalled the phrase “can your ashes” from when he began his career with the department. The slogan reminds residents to carry out proper ash debris disposal.
Hot coals, hidden in a pile of ashes, are well insulated and can stay hot for many days, officials said.
They said that ashes should never be emptied into a paper or plastic bag, cardboard box or similar container.
When disposing of ashes from a fireplace, wood stove, fire pit or barbecue, Cal Fire said ashes should be stored in a noncombustible metal container with an air tight seal. After adding ash to the bucket, pour water in the bucket to extinguish any hot coals. Place lid on container tightly.
In addition, they ash buckets should be stored in a safe location away from flammable materials – buildings and decks – just in case stray cinders escape.
“The department’s goal is to prevent fires and we ask residents for their help to bring us closer to success,” Streblow said.
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