An extension cord used to power a space heater was blamed for a fire in the top-floor suite of a Vic West character home Wednesday.
A tenant of the three-storey building woke up to smoke and flames and tried to suppress the fire before calling 911 at 6:45 a.m.
About 20 firefighters responded to the house at 515 Wilson St., at Springfield Street, to find thick smoke and flames creeping up the wall of the bedroom.
Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze, opened windows and used a positive-pressure fan to rid the room of smoke, said Victoria Fire Department acting captain Brian Elvedahl.
Smoke was travelling quickly through the house when the tenant in the top-floor suite was awakened, Elvedahl said.
“It wouldn’t have taken too long before it was affecting the neighbouring suite and the one below,” he said.
The occupants of the main-floor and basement suites remained sleeping while firefighters fought the blaze. No smoke detectors went off in the building, which does not have sprinklers.
Contrary to bylaws, the smoke alarm in the top-floor suite was not working, said Victoria Fire inspector Chris Royle.
The top-floor suite had heavy smoke damage. Total damage is estimated at $20,000. The other suites are habitable and the tenants have returned home.
The fire was caused by an overheated extension cord, according to Mike Shea, the City of Victoria’s chief electrical inspector.
A long, lightweight extension cord powering a small space heater was found coiled on the carpet with some clothes on top. The heater was always running, putting the cord under a constant load.
Royle said an electrical cord coiled and bundled together produces heat, which it can’t dissipate, causing the cord to melt and ignite.
The fire department recommends plugging a space heater directly into the wall.
If use of extension cord is necessary, use one that is the appropriate length. Also, buy a CSA-approved cord and ensure it is free of insulation — such as clothes or blankets — that can trap heat. You should avoid anything that could pinch or damage the cord.
The fire department also recommends that, if you see smoke or flames, you leave the building immediately and ensure that other occupants also leave.
Smoke is extremely toxic and can be fatal, even in small amounts, Royle said.
