Extension cord overheats igniting fire under motorhome in Cambridge
An extension cord used to power a portable heater placed underneath a motorhome on Byesville Road in Cambridge overheated early Tuesday morning igniting a fire in one of the vehicle's wheel wells.
"A portable space heater had been placed under the motorhome to prevent the water pipes from freezing and the extension cord to the heater overheated and caught fire," said Capt. Justin Warner of the Cambridge Fire Department.
The fire was reportedly doused with a fire extinguisher without any injuries to residents or firefighters.
Fire damage was reported to the plastic liner in the wheel well and firefighters ventilated smoke from the motorhome, according to Warner.
The fire was reported at 2:09 a.m. Tuesday via a call to the Guernsey County 911 Dispatch Center.
The caller reported flames could be seen under the motorhome and all occupants were outside while two dogs remained inside the vehicle.
A Cambridge Police dispatch log indicated firefighters responded to the residential area adjacent to Interstate 77 with two engines and the department's ladder truck.
Two sheriff's deputies also responded to the scene to assist firefighters.
The fire was reported to be extinguished at 2:32 a.m. with fire crews and deputies remaining at the scene for approximately 30 additional minutes.
The Division of State Fire Marshal urges Ohio families to pay particular attention to fire safety during the winter season.
On average, 120 people die in accidental residential fires across Ohio each year, and many these fires occur during the winter heating season.
The National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration reports misuse of extension cords is one of the most common causes of fire during the winter season.
Fire officials and manufacturers recommend extension cords should never be used to power a space heater, either inside or outside a residence.
No damage estimate was available for the motorhome.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Extension cord overheats igniting fire under motorhome in Cambridge
