Overloaded Extension Cable Ignites Pacifica Apartment Fire

PACIFICA, CA — A fire that broke out Monday evening at a Pacifica apartment complex began with a failed portable extension cord that was overloaded, according to fire investigators.

The North County Fire Authority rushed to the scene Tuesday on Francisco Boulevard a few minutes after 8:15 p.m. The first crew arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a second-floor unit of the three-story building, officials said in a news release.

Firefighters entered the building to confirm all residents made it to safety and used hose lines to knock down the flames and protect other exposure points. Fire officials said no one was injured in the blaze, and crews remained on scene deep into the night to overhaul the scene.

Investigators determined the overloaded extension cord ignited nearby clothing and magazines, allowing the flames to spread to other combustibles.

"North County Fire Authority wants to remind everyone not to overload extension cords, or substitute extension cords for permanent wiring," officials said Tuesday. "If an extension cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire. And always remember the importance of installing and maintaining smoke alarms."