RIVERSIDE, CA — A fire triggered by a faulty electrical outlet caused major damage to a Riverside home, displacing the five occupants, all but one of whom escaped injury, authorities said Tuesday.
The blaze was reported shortly before 10 p.m. Monday in the 4000 block of Eileen Street, near Adams Street, according to the Riverside Fire Department.
Battalion Chief Pat Hopkins said three engine crews and a truck company, numbering 16 personnel, were sent to the location and encountered “heavy smoke coming from the front door” of the single-story house.
“The residents had evacuated and were all accounted for,” Hopkins said. “Firefighters performed an aggressive interior attack on the fire and contained it to the front living room.”
An examination of the immediate area uncovered that “an outlet near a Christmas tree arched,” causing the tree to catch fire, according to the battalion chief.
“The fire caused extensive damage to the living room and smoke damage to the rest of the home,” he said.
The four adults and child residing at the property were displaced, along with their two dogs. One of the adults suffered an unspecified minor injury and was treated at the scene by paramedics but not hospitalized, Hopkins said.
Red Cross personnel were summoned to assist the parties, whose identities were not disclosed, with finding temporary lodging.
