Oil-soaked rags sparked fire at CSU associate athletic director's house

Poudre Fire Authority investigators said Thursday that oil-soaked rags caused the Oct. 8 house fire that killed a Fort Collins woman.

Rachael Max, 32, died after the fire swept across the back of the home at 4512 Ideldale Drive, which belonged to her parents, Doug and Cindy Max.

Doug Max is a former CSU track coach and longtime athletics administrator.

The fire was an accident, according to investigators. The family hired a contractor to stain the back deck of the home, and rags used in the staining process were stored improperly.

The rags spontaneously heated and combusted, which caused the fire, according to investigators who made the determination after weeks of investigation and analysis of the fire scene.

PFA cautioned residents to properly store and dispose of rags, brushes or other tools used for staining or painting. Piles of rags are prone to combustion because they trap heat, and the fabric has a relatively low ignition point.

Rachael Max was the only person in the home at the time of the fire. The Larimer County coroner later ruled that she died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.

CSU’s athletic department launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Doug and Cindy Max as they deal with funeral costs and repairing the home. As of Thursday afternoon, the effort had raised more than $80,000.

Doug and Cindy Max, as well as other family members, wrote a letter to the editor that published in the Coloradoan on Wednesday.

"The support from so many people locally, regionally and across the country has been overwhelming," the letter read in part. "So many have stepped forward to provide financial and other means of support that we can never begin to thank each of you individually.

"Please know that in our hearts, our faith has never wavered, but instead continues to grow during this challenging time."

Reporter Cassa Niedringhaus covers breaking news for the Coloradoan. Follow her on Twitter: @CassaMN.

Safest way to store and dispose of flammable oily rags:

• Place the rags in an empty metal container with a tight metal lid, such as an old paint can.
• Fill the container with water to submerge the rags.
• Tightly seal the container with its metal lid. A plastic lid is not OK. 
• Dispose of the container at a local hazardous waste disposal site.
• Never pour oily water down a drain in or around your home. 

Source: Poudre Fire Authority