COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) responded to a fire caused by overpowered electrical cords on Sunday night.
Firefighters were called to a possible structure fire in the Northbrook Addition, at 4711 Breckenridge Dr., a little past 11 p.m., after a homeowner heard a smoke alarm sounding in a detached garage and found smoldering insulation in the garage’s attic space.
Crews arrived and spoke with the homeowner who told them that he had attempted to extinguish the smoldering insulation prior to their arrival. When firefighters entered the garage, they noticed that the electrical panel breaker for the garage was tripped. Firefighters found the smoldering insulation and charring to a section of oriented strand board. The material was soaked with water to prevent re-ignition.
During the investigation, CFD located a heavily damaged electrical connection in the attic space with several extension cords plugged into the connection. Firefighters believe that the cords were overpowered, causing intense heat that melted the connector.
The cause of the fire was ruled accidental. Damages are estimated at $1000. There were no injuries.