@$ID/NormalParagraphStyle:Firefighters respond to dry cleaners

BENNINGTON — The Bennington Fire Department found smoke but no fire at a Main Street dry cleaners on Friday around 1 a.m., according to a press release.

Chief Steve Crawford said officers with the Bennington Police Department, who reached the scene first, confirmed the presence of smoke at Bennington Dry Cleaners.

Once firefighters reached the scene, they forced their way into the business to investigate the smoke and found there was smoke but no sign of fire. A laundry cart was found about 15 feet from the front door and its contents were smoldering.

Crawford said the cart was removed from the building and firefighters found greasy, oily towels in the cart. A thermal imaging camera was used to determine there was no other fire or unusual heat in the building.

The building and some adjacent businesses were ventilated to remove smoke.

The business was able to open for customers on Friday. No injuries were reported from the incident.