A malfunctioning electrical outlet caused a house fire that injured a firefighter and displaced the occupants. At around 9:30 am, Tuesday, February 23, firefighters were alerted to a fire in a house in the 6600 block of Oliver Street in Riverdale Heights. Fire/EMS units arrived to find a 2-story, Cape Cod style, single family home with fire showing from the top floor and roof.
Firefighters conducted a search of the house interior and an interior attack on the fire. All searches were negative and firefighters had the fire extinguished within 15 minutes of arrival.
One firefighter sustained a small burn injury during the firefight. He was transported a Burn Unit where he was treated and released.
Fire Investigators found that a malfunctioning electrical outlet started the fire in an attic area converted to a bedroom. A smoke alarm was in the house but determined to be non-working. The cause of the fire is accidental and the estimated fire loss is $150,000. No other injuries were reported.
Six adults and one child are displaced from this house. The County Citizen Services Unit and the American Red Cross assisted the family with temporary arrangements.
