South Bend, IN – Fire officials are warning residents today after a series of recent house fires were linked to unsafe use of extension cords and space heaters across the city and surrounding St. Joseph County.
According to the South Bend Fire Department, crews responded to multiple structure fires over the past week that were traced back to electrical issues. In one case, a household extension cord was plugged into another extension cord and connected to a space heater, causing the cords to overheat and melt. The heat ignited nearby carpet, bedding, a mattress, and part of a wall.
Fire officials say these incidents highlight how quickly everyday items can become dangerous when used improperly, especially during cooler weather when space heaters are more common.
The department is reminding residents to avoid plugging extension cords into other extension cords and to always plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Heaters should be kept at least three feet away from furniture, bedding, and other flammable materials. Officials also advise against running cords under carpets or rugs, where heat can build up unnoticed.
If a cord feels warm to the touch, residents are urged to unplug it immediately.
According to fire officials, even a small electrical mistake can escalate into a house fire within minutes. These recent incidents could have had far worse outcomes, underscoring the importance of basic fire safety practices inside the home.
Residents are encouraged to take extra precautions and review their home setups to prevent similar emergencies.
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