BRUNSWICK, Ohio — It happened just after 2 a.m. Friday. Brunswick firefighters returned to the 500 block of Maplewood Avenue, just 24 hours after Beverly and Billy Ray Watkins' home was destroyed in a fire.
According to Brunswick Fire Chief Greg Glauner, the original fire spread to the walls, attic and basement of the home, making it difficult for crews to find every hot spot.
"The damage was so extensive and there were areas so hard to get to, that it is possible that it's just reignited," Chief Glauner said.
Firefighters were able to put out the second round of flames quickly, but the probable cause of Wednesday night's fire is sparking a bigger conversation about safety when putting up holiday lights.
"Extension cords in the garage that were linked together to power Christmas lights in the yard," Chief Glauner said of the cause.
It's more common than we think, as most of us go to bed thinking we did everything we could to protect our homes.
"It's easy to say don't overload your extension cords, but I think generally most people do. And so if that's gonna happen, when you go to bed at night, you should certainly make sure that you unplug everything," Glauner said.
Other tips to consider when putting up holiday lights are below:
- Use lights approved by United Laboratories
- Don't overload extension cords or cover them with carpet or tree skirts
- Make sure to toss out really old lights
"The incandescent light bulbs draw a lot more wattage than say an LED, more modern one," Glauner said.
Meantime, investigators were still working Friday morning to assess the damage done to the Watkins' home, while the family searches for a new one.
To help the Watkins family, please click HERE.
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