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Faulty extension cord cause of Portland blaze

By Eric Tichy 1 min read
OBSERVER Photo Firefighters are pictured Saturday on Church Street in the town of Portland. A faulty extension cord reportedly started the fire.

PORTLAND -- An extension cord that was either compromised or damaged reportedly sparked this weekend's fire in the town of Portland.

Firefighters were called to 8644 Church St., near Second Street, around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. Heavy smoke could be seen in the area surrounding the property, which sustained significant damage to its rear.

By about 6:15 p.m., firefighters had the blaze under control.

According to Capt. Rich Telford of the Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team, the fire started near a first floor entryway.

"We further discovered an extension cord in that area that was compromised or damaged, which then started the fire," Telford said.

A woman living on the first floor along with an adult and child on the second floor were home when the fire broke out and managed to escape without injuries.

Departments on the scene included: Portland, Brocton, Westfield, Mayville, Fredonia, Stockton, Ripley as well as Chautauqua County Emergency Medical Services.

John D'Agostino contributed to this story.

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