SASKATOON – A fire that was caused by an extension cord that overheated and caught fire in the kitchen caused about $40,000 in damages to an apartment building.
No one was injured but three cats died in the fire, say Saskatoon Fire Department officials.
Firefighters were called out at about 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday after getting a call that there may be a structure fire at the intersection of 25th Street and 3rd Avenue. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.
The first arriving fire crew identified smoke coming from the rear of multi-family dwelling unit and the utilities in a suite were shut down for safety at the fire scene.
Firefighters got the fire under control at 1:16 p.m. The fire crews ventilated the building and turned the scene over to the fire investigator at 2:05 p.m.
The fire investigation has been concluded and the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental from extension cords being used a permanent source of electricity. An extension cord overheated and ignited in the kitchen, says the Saskatoon Fire Department.
The fire department reminds people that extension cords should only be used as a temporary source of electricity and not permanent. Exterior extension cords are heavily insulated to withstand the cold weather outside and provide a source of electricity to vehicles as an example. Whenever possible, always plug appliances directly into an electrical outlet for safe practice.
