ADAMS TWP — A small fire taught a family a big lesson.

State Police Fire Marshal Trooper Duwayne Baird said the small fire at 1216 Mars-Evans City Road on Friday morning was caused by an occupant of the home stubbing out a cigarette in potting soil.

Baird explained that potting soil contains fertilizer, which is combustible. When a lit cigarette butt is buried inside, it is insulated and can heat up.

He said surveillance video from Foley Excavating, which is next door to the house, shows a small flame at 1:30 a.m. igniting in the flower pot.

“It grew and grew and grew and eventually caught the house on fire,” Baird said.

He said cigarette butts were visible in other flower pots on the deck railing, which is clearly where the fire started since little damage is visible below the railing.

Joe Kinnik, who rents the house with his wife and grown daughter, said the family woke to the sound of the sliding glass door blowing out.

Kinnik grabbed a fire extinguisher and largely had the flames knocked down when the Adams Area Fire District, Callery and Evans City volunteer fire departments arrived and finished the job.

The deck and the rest of the house was saved. Kinnik said the family will be able to live in the two-story home.

No one was injured.

Baird said the home had $15,000 in damage. Kinnik said his landlord is insured.

Kinnik, a contractor, spent Friday afternoon replacing the sliding glass door. He also will replace some siding and make a few other repairs.

“It was a nightmare,” Kinnik said, “but it could have been a lot worse.”

Baird said while dozens of cigarettes may be successfully snuffed in potting soil, the next one may ignite.

“Don’t put cigarettes out in potting soil,” he said.