Fire started by crimped power cord

Crimped Electrical Cord Fire highlights risks from frayed wires behind appliances, constant electrical load, overheating, and home safety lapses, with stairwell spread, insurance loss, and fire prevention tips from a deputy fire marshal.

An electrical cord is being blamed for a fire that caused what officials believe to be irreparable damage to a house in western PEI.

There was no one in the O'Leary home at the time the fire started. It was called in by a neighbour at about 2:30 p.m.

Deputy fire marshal Dave Rossiter believes the cord was crimped from being jammed between the appliance and the wall, which caused it to fray, similar to an electrical cord fire case reported in another community.

"The only thing we'd probably make comment on is for people to watch where their electrical cords are, to make sure they're not crimped or pinched or jammed up against an appliance or something like that, since an overheated power strip can also pose risks like these," Rossiter told CBC News.

"It might not happen right away, but over time it could create a problem and possible fire situation, as what happened in this particular case, and as a utility wildfire demonstrated elsewhere in the region. Especially when you have an item like that that has a constant electrical draw all the time."

The fire started where there were stairwells leading both upstairs and down into the basement, allowing the fire to spread throughout the house, much as an electrical facility blaze spread quickly under favourable conditions in an industrial site.

Rossiter said the damage was extensive. He doesn't believe the house can be repaired, but added that will be up to the insurance company to decide, noting that older-home risk assessments often highlight compounding hazards in similar losses.

Related News

• Electricity Forum News

• Workforce Safety News