Multiple emergency crews responded to a call of smoke coming from a house at 914 East 2nd Street Sunday afternoon.

At 12:48, Pella Fire, Pella Police, and Pella Ambulance all made their way to the scene. After quickly extinguishing the fire, crews were on scene for nearly an hour to make sure the structure was safe.

Pella Fire Chief Doug Van Gorkom tell KRLS News the situation could have been worse, and said it was “lucky” the neighbors noticed the smoke as soon as they did, as it appears staining and varnishing rags were stored in a plastic bag and started to catch fire. He says anyone doing that type of work should never store oily rags on top of each other, because as the stain or varnish dries, it heats up and releases oxygen, which if not properly stored or ventilated can combust.

Van Gorkom says there was no visible damage and nobody was inside at the time, as the house is being renovated.