House Fires Prompt Safety Advisory

LONGVIEW — Officials are reiterating a safety advisory about use of extension cords after a Longview home sustained heavy damage in two overnight fires. KETK reports crews responded around 11:05 Sunday night to 705 Idylwood Dr. Heavy fire was found in the master bedroom upon arrival. The fire was extinguished without injury to firefighters, and the occupant was not home. The blaze originated in the master bedroom as a result of an extension cord being used to power a speaker and entertainment center. The extra portion of the extension cord was coiled up.

Fire crews returned to the home around 5:50 Monday morning due to a second fire that originated approximately three feet away from the original fire area. The suspected cause is embers that were displaced during firefighting activities into loose insulation at the location of a ceiling joist. The single occupant was displaced due to the initial fire. The estimated loss is $17,000. The Longview Fire Department says improper use of an extension cord can cause either a short or resistive heating.