January 18, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-07) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org OVERLOADED EXTENSION CORD CAUSE OF HOUSE FIRE Firefighters responded to the report of a house fire on Wednesday, January 18, located at 1569 West Avenue. A Staff Captain with the department was driving through the area when he spotted smoke and fire coming from a single story, wood frame structure and called for a response. Firefighters discovered heavy fire in the master bedroom which had extended into the attic above once they made entry into the structure. The homeowner had left to run an errand approximately one hour prior to the fire and no one was inside at the time of the fire. The fire appears to have originated in the master bedroom near the bed. Fire investigators discovered an extension cord with multiple items plugged into it thus overloading the circuit. Also the bed was sitting on top of the cord, therefore crimping it. The fire caused an estimated $60 thousand in damage. No injuries were reported. Engines 3, 8, 9; truck 17; rescue 3; District Chief Frank Byrd responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention conducted the investigation. Safety Tips: • Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring. Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices. • Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets. • Use electrical extension cords wisely and don’t overload them. • In homes with small children, unused wall sockets and extension-cord receptacles should have plastic safety covers. • Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords. • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet. • Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time. • If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician. • When possible, avoid the use of "cube taps" and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle. • Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage. ###