Poulsbo – A fire caused by spontaneous combustion of improperly disposed oil-based paint rags left a young family of four without a home.

Neighbors reported flames coming from the home on Levin Road about 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

Firefighters from Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue, Poulsbo Fire Department, and Navy Region NW Fire and Emergency Services arrived to find the rear of the home completely engulfed in flames.

No one was inside.

Fire fighting crews battled the blaze using 3,000 gallons of water for nearly 45 minutes.

After investigating, Kitsap County fire marshal found the rags wadded in a basement closet.

The family was renting the home and did not have renters’ insurance. All belongings were lost in the fire.

The family, including two toddlers was immediately offered a place to stay by the Kitsap County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Poulsbo Fire Department members set up a fund to help the family get back on its feet.

For those interested in contributing, call Poulsbo Fire Department at (360) 779-3997.

To prevent future fires like this one, Theresa MacLennan, spokesperson for Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue, said rags soaked in flammable solvents should be line-dried outside and, once completely dry, taken to a landfill.