A shed fire on Barbourtown Road was accidental, likely due to ashes taken from a wood stove, Adam B. Libros, the town's fire marshal and director of emergency management, said.

"The most likely cause is ashes discarded from the wood stove," Libros said. "(The homeowner) put them in a container and moved them into the shed." 

The ashes were placed in a metal container but Libros said it was a good time to stress that ashes be left alone until they are cool if possible but always be put in a covered metal container and away from any structure. He said working and up-to-date smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are also crucial. 

Firefighters in Canton and surrounding towns contained the 122 Barbourtown Road fire, reported shortly after 4:30 p.m., to the shed Monday afternoon and evening.

"The first firefighter saw flames coming over the trees," said Sylvia Cancela, public relations officer for the town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department. 

The shed was "fully involved" when fire personnel arrived, officials said.

Wednesday morning, Libros said a large propane tank next to the shed did not catch fire. 

"It does not appear it was involved in the fire," he said. 

Libros said the homeowner indicated the shed contained six cords of wood and some tools. 

While the outside of the nearby home on the property was emitting smoke at one point, the fire was contained to the shed area, fire officials said. By 6:30 p.m. the fire was largely contained and firefighters were looking for "hot spots." 

Helping out at the scene were members of a regional "Tanker Task Force 54" and strike team, including units from Farmington, Simsbury, Granby, Avon and others.

The tankers were staged at Cherry Brook Primary School and members of Canton's Engine 4 broke through the ice and pumped water from the brook and through the engine up to the street, where area tankers filled up and brought water to the scene. The tanker "staging area" was used throughout the fire.

Canton does not have fire hydrants north of Route 44 so several areas are set up for such tasks, Capt. Wayne Goeben said. While the section of Cherry Brook does not have the "dry hydrant" that makes hookup easier, the situation works pretty well since the water flows fast in that section and the winter has been mild. 

The school parking lot also creates an area, especially at night, for the large tankers to "stage" while they wait their turn to bring water to the scene.

"We know the access is good," Goeben said. "It works out great." 

In addition, a tanker from Barkhamstead East, and engines from Avon and Simsbury fire companies provided coverage for the town, according to Cancela. Canton’s Highway Department provided sand and salt, she added. 

The shed and home are set well off the road and firefighters had to lay more than 3,000 feet of supply line at the scene, according to a department release. 

Fire crews remained on the scene for several hours after knocking down the fire, cooling down hot spots and for an extensive clean up, the release stated.

The town of Canton Volunteer Fire & EMS Department responded with Ladder 2, Engines 1, 3, & 4, Rescue 9, Tanker 7, Canton’s ambulance and approximately 25 volunteer firefighters.   

 The fire attack team consisted of the following Canton volunteer firefighters: Johnathan Gotaski Stephen Goeben, John Bunnell, Rich VandeBogart, Joe Ouimette, and Chris Melite. Fire Captain Steve LaPointe managed operations, Fire Engineer Tom Gotaski worked the pumper on Engine 3 and David Leff was Safety Officer. Cadet Zach Goeben provided scene support. Assistant Fire Chief Michael Krupa managed the tankers.