Faulty Surge Protector Deemed Cause of Hopewell House Fire

Photo by BENJAMIN GOMESCrews arrived on scene within minutes of dispatch to fire and smoke showing.
Hopewell, VA - To round out 2020, Hopewell Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the Mansion Hills neighborhood area on December 31st.
Chief 1 was en route and reported a column of smoke from the area. He arrived on scene and reported a working structure fire with heavy fire coming out of a front bay window. Crews arrived on scene within minutes of being dispatched and quickly put a knockdown despite encountering heavy smoke conditions and high heat.
The fire was contained to just the room of origin, but the house suffered extensive smoke damage. Residents of the house were being assisted by neighbors and the Red Cross.
The Fire Marshal’s Office ruled the cause of the fire to be a faulty multi-plug surge protector. Units operating on scene were Engines 1 and 2, Quint 1, Medic 1, Battalion 2, Chief 1, FM1, and FM2.