SMITHFIELD – The Johnston County Fire Marshal’s Office says a surge protector sparked a fire Friday morning that damaged a West Smithfield home. Around 9:45am, firefighters responded to the blaze at 2043 Barbour Road.
An elderly man was inside the home, saw smoke coming from a rear bedroom, and went across the street to a neighbor and asked them to call 911. Fire crews found flames coming from the rear bedroom and extinguished the fire. The home also suffered smoke damage.
Officials said an electrical failure within a surge protector in the bedroom started the fire, which was ruled accidental. The Red Cross responded to assist the occupant.
When using a surge protector, the Johnston County Fire Marshal’s Office recommends to plug it directly into the outlet and avoid overloading it with any electrical appliances. Space heaters should also be plugged directly into an outlet within the home and always maintain three feet of clearance from combustibles at all times.
