Newton (N.H.) Fire Department Warns About Proper Extension Cord Usage After Basement Fire

NEWTON — Chief John R. Alcaidinho and the Newton (N.H.) Fire Department want to remind residents of the danger of excessive extension cord use after a fire Tuesday in a Newton home.

First responders received a call at 11:13 a.m. Tuesday for a basement fire at 66 Thornell Road. Upon arrival two minutes later, firefighters discovered a small fire in the area of a fish tank.

Extension cords were used to power the fish tank and a turtle tank. The fish and the turtle were rescued. There were no injuries.

Mutual aid on scene was provided by the Amesbury (Mass.) Fire Department. Crews from East Kingston and Plaistow were called but were later canceled. The Merrimac (Mass.) Fire Department provided station coverage.

This is the second such fire in the area in 36 hours. A fire early Monday morning in East Kingston also was caused by overheated extension cords.

The Newton Fire Department wants residents to practice safe use of extension cords. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) offers these tips for use of extension cords:

• Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.
• Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
• Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
• Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
• Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together.
• Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in, and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use.
• The appliance or tool that you are using the cord with will have a wattage rating on it. Match this up with your extension cord, and do not use a cord that has a lower rating.
• Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
• Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
• Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

Learn more about proper extension cord usage here.