Spontaneous combustion sparks store fire
LAWRENCE — A fire that damaged a South Broadway upholstery business Saturday night was caused by spontaneous combustion of rags covered in stain, acting fire Chief Brian Murphy said yesterday.
The rags were used in a floor refinishing project at Columbia Auto Seat Covers at 165 S. Broadway and were left in a pile on the floor, rather than being spread out to dry, Murphy said.
When some stain products dry, he said a chemical reaction occurs which causes the rags to heat up. Sometimes, he said, enough heat is generated to cause the rags to spontaneously ignite.
Manufacturers of those types of products often recommend the rags be separated or put outdoors to dry, Murphy said.
No one was hurt in the fire, which broke out shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday, officials said.
The estimated cost of the damage has yet to be determined. The three-story building has apartments on the top two floors.
Lawrence auxiliary police led by Chief Jay Jackson took care of crowd and traffic control in the area while firefighters battled the blaze.
Library looking for literacy tutors
METHUEN — Nevins Memorial Library is seeking volunteers to help teach English to people learning the language. Tutor orientations are being held Wednesday, from 7 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 to 11 a.m.; Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2 to 3 p.m.; and Monday, Sept. 22, 7 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit the library's Web sit, www. nevinslibrary.org, or call Sue Jefferson at 978-686-4080, ext. 32.
Ballroom dancing to be offered at the Y
NORTH ANDOVER — Want to learn to tango?
The North Andover/Andover YMCA is offering a beginner-level ballroom dancing class, Dance like the Stars, where adults can learn the basic steps to the salsa, tango, waltz, rumba and swing.
Held in the YMCA dance studio at 165 Haverhill St., classes are taught by Tom Webster of Dance New England School of Dance in Chelmsford.
Cost is $65 per person for YMCA members, $115 for nonmembers. Classes are on Friday nights from 7:30 to 9 beginning Sept. 12.
Call Bobbi Berkenbush at 978-685-3541.
Injured motorcyclist still in hospital
HAVERHILL — A Haverhill motorcyclist, who hit a tree in Newton, N.H. on Saturday night. remains in a Boston hospital.
William Morris, 38, suffered serious injuries when he lost control of his bike on a corner and crashed into a tree 10 feet off Smith Corner Road about 9:30 p.m., said police Chief Larry Streeter. Morris was taken by MedFlilght to Boston Medical Center, where he was in stable condition yesterday.
Morris was wearing a helmet, Streeter said. Police are waiting on toxicology reports to determine if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
Italian festival set for Haverhill
HAVERHILL — The sixth annual North End of the North End Italian Festival, sponsored by the Haverhill Downtown Association, will take place Sept. 28.
The festival will be in Washington Square in downtown Haverhill from noon to 6 p.m.
Vendors are being sought to participate. Booths measuring 6 by 10 feet are available for $100 each. Food, arts and crafts, jewelry, clothes, pottery and more may be sold. Booths should have an Italian flair or be decorated in the colors of Italy, green, white and red. Call police Officer Paul Malone at 978-360-3703 to rent space.
The festival will feature everything from authentic Italian cuisine to musical entertainment for all ages, including the popular Miss Italy competition. A variety of games, activities and face painting for children will be available in "Little Italy." The grand finale will be the Rat Pack, direct from Las Vegas, with a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.
Admission is free and open to the public.
