Extension cords to blame in West Seattle shed fire
Thu, 12/15/2011
Seattle firefighters were called to the 8600 block of Fauntleroy Ave S.W. around 8 a.m. on Dec. 15 to battle a raging shed fire.
According to Seattle Fire, "quick actions stopped a quickly growing shed fire from spreading to neighboring homes in West Seattle." Once firefighters arrived, they were able to control the fire within six minutes.
The renter of the property was not home when the shed caught fire and investigators said several extension cords running from the house to the shed in order to power a portable heater were to blame. One of the links in the extension train caught fire.
Damages were estimated at $17,000 and SFD shared this cautionary note:
Seattle Fire Department’s Public Education Unit advises residents to use as few extension cords and plug adapters as possible. Make sure extension cords are not tacked to walls, run under rugs, or through doorways. Also, unplug small appliances such as toasters and heaters when not in use.