An overheated surge protector is believed to have sparked a fire that left a Klamath Falls family homeless this morning.
Scott Rice of Klamath County Fire District #1 reports that the fire broke out just before 8:AM at a home on Barry Drive, and grew quickly…
“The rear section of the home was heavily involved with fire when we got here, the rest of the structure was filling up with smoke.”
Home owner Olivia Hammond was comforted by neighbors as she watched helplessly…
Rice notes that Olivia, her husband and 12 year old son had left the home about about 7:30…
“Everything was normal. They didn’t smell any smoke, no electrical problems, so there’s no indication that they knew that there was a problem here when they left this morning.
The fire also caught neighbor Mary Peterson off-guard…
“I don’t know what happened.” Recalled Peterson. “I just heard dogs barking, and looked out the window, and saw black smoke – and I just…it’s just sad.”
The Hammond’s dogs were found safe, and the home is insured – and neighbors are also doing what they can to help.
The fire caused about $200,000 worth of damage.
Investigator Scott Rice explained that when surge protectors and outlet strips fail, they tend to heat up from the bottom. Most are designed for mounting on a wall, which is a safer option than placing the unit on a carpet.
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