Chain Bridge Road Fire Ruled Accident

A fire that destroyed the large northwest Washington home of former D.C. school board president Peggy Cooper Cafritz has been ruled accidental.

On Monday, fire investigators said the July 29 blaze might have been started by oil used to treat patio furniture.

D.C. Attorney General Peter Nickles, who supervised the investigation, says paper towels soaked with linseed oil had been left in a plastic bag on the porch.

Nickles says investigators could not prove with certainty that the oil caused the fire. Instead, the cause was ruled "undetermined accidental."

The city has said inadequate water flow from fire hydrants hindered efforts to extinguish the fire.

Three water tank units have been added throughout the city to provide reinforcement when needed.