Monday, August 20, 2012

Overloaded Extension Cord Sparks Early Morning Fire on S. Mason Avenue

Incident Date: 8/21/12
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 5240 S. Mason Ave
Incident Type: Residential House Fire

Narrative:  At 3:11 a.m. seven companies of Tacoma Firefighters (four engines, one ladder, one medic company and command staff) responded to a reported house fire.

The first arriving engine company found heavy flames and smoke showing from the single story 2,530 square foot residence. Operationally, crews attacked the fire that had spread throughout the interior and the back of the homes roof area, conducted search and rescue and completed vertical ventilation of the roof.

Working smoke alarms alerted the homes three occupants to the fire and two of the occupants were evaluated by paramedics for injuries, but not transported. Paramedics also evaluated, but did not transport, one firefighter who sustained injury battling the blaze. 
    
Fire investigator's determined that the probable cause of the fire was an overloaded extension cord, resulting in an estimated $200,000 damage to the building and its contents.