Extension Cord Malfunction Causes Inwood Lane Fire

The Westport Fire Department received a call for smoke in the basement early Saturday in a home on Inwood Lane, according to a release from the department. 

The first arriving firefighters found an approximately 3-foot-by-5-foot rug on fire with a moderate smoke condition in the basement. Firefighters extinguished the fire with a pressurized water extinguisher, and shut down circuit breakers in the house.

Smoke was ventilated using fans and the fire was investigated by the Westport Fire Marshal’s Office. The cause is determined to be failure of an extension cord serving a dehumidifier in the basement. Firefighters were on scene for one hour.

Residents are reminded to plug all portable appliances directly into wall outlets and utilize different circuits to reduce overloading causing possible overheating of wiring.