December 10, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2007-87) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org OVERLOADED EXTENSION CORD CAUSES HOUSE FIRE Mobile Firefighters responded to a fire in a house located at 2853 Pleasant Valley Road Monday morning, December 10. The call was received by one of the occupants of the single story, wood frame structure at approximately 6:49 a.m. Firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 6:53 reporting fire coming from a side window of the structure. All the occupants escaped without apparent injury. The occupant told fire investigators that she saw smoke coming from an electrical outlet as well as fire running up the wall and got everyone out. The fire appears to have started in a living room area where a freezer was located. The freezer was plugged into a small extension cord which also had other combustibles sitting on top of the electrical thus causing the fire to occur. The fire was confined to the area of origin but there was smoke damage throughout the structure. Damage is estimated at approximately $40 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 9, 12 truck 17, rescue 23 and District 2 Chief Bill Hunter responded to the call. Safety Tips • Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices. • Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets. • 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. ###