Investigator Determines Extension Cord to Blame for West Seattle Fire

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Seattle Firefighters quick actions stopped a quickly growing shed fire from spreading to neighboring homes in West Seattle. A 911 call came in at 8:08 a.m. on December 15, 2011 reporting a fire in the backyard of a home located in the 8600 block of Fauntleroy Avenue Southwest.

Engine Company 37 arrived to find the fire at the end of a long driveway. Firefighters found flames shooting through the roof of an approximately 8 foot by 16 foot garden shed. The radiant heat and flames extended to the property owners garage and to a neighboring fence. Due to their quick response, firefighters were able to get control of the fire within 6 minutes stopping the flames from spreading to neighboring homes.

The renter of the property was not home when the fire began. A Seattle Fire Investigator determined this was an accidental fire that began from an extension cord that ran from the house to the detached shed. Several extension cords were strung together to power a portable heater inside the shed.

An SFD Investigators estimates $17,000 in total damage. The breakdown of the damage estimates are $8,000 to the shed, $5,000 to the contents of the shed and $4,000 to the exterior of the garage.

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.



Author:Seattle Fire Department Press Release