DUBOIS – An extension cord being improperly used was the cause of an accidental house fire Saturday afternoon at 121 Robinson St., DuBois, reported the state police at DuBois.
The DuBois Fire Department was dispatched and determined the first floor of the house was on fire. It was quickly extinguished by firefighters, and the homeowner was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
According to the report, a state police fire marshal was requested to determine the origin and cause of the fire. The investigation found an inordinate number of extension cords and electrical appliances in the living area.
State police say the origin and cause of the fire was traced to an extension cord that was draped over the footboard of a bed in the living area. This caused severe damage to the cord and its failure.
“This fire was ruled accidental – electrical in nature – as a result of improper installation, use and maintenance of an extension cord,” state police say in the report. “The failure of the extension cord was not the result of the use of a space heater.
“During the scene examination, it could not be determined whether or not any electrical circuits were overloaded.” Damage was estimated at $65,000, and it’s currently unknown if the house had any working smoke detectors.
As a result, state police would like to remind residents to only use extension cords as a temporary measure. Residents should also ensure cords are not being kinked/pinched or placed under heavy or sharp objects when in use.
Although a space heater was not a factor in this fire, state police would like to remind residents to allow ample space for them. This allows the heat produced to disperse into the room and not to radiate to nearby combustible items.
State police urge residents to install, maintain and test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside their houses.
