Authorities concerned with surge in electrical fires

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Authorities concerned with surge in electrical fires

By RICHARD LIEBSON

THE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original publication: December 31, 2007)

A spike in electrical fires in the region has fire and government officials alarmed, and prompted one Rockland County legislator to call for an investigation into the sale of hazardous "knock-off" extension cords.

There have been more than a dozen electrical fires in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties since late November, included blazes in Carmel, Purdys, Yonkers, Port Chester, Harrison, White Plains, Patterson and Spring Valley.

"This time of year there's always an increase in structure fires," said Adam Steibeling, deputy commissioner of Putnam County Emergency Services. "People aren't aware of the dangers that lurk in poorly maintained electrical systems or the improper use of extension cords."

Westchester Deputy Emergency Services Commissioner John Jackson agreed, saying that during the cold-weather months "houses are closed up and filled with combustibles, especially during the holidays.

"People put up decorations, Christmas tree lights and often use extension cords," he said. "They also may be using alternate heat sources such as space heaters and electric blankets. All of these things can strain a home's electrical system and spark a fire."

Jackson said there were 178 structure fires in Westchester between Nov. 1 and Dec. 18 - 48 more than during the same time last year. Of those, he said, half were caused by some type of electrical problem.

FULL STORY: http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID...336/1018/NEWS02