Chief Ed Porter Jr. of Gaston Fire and Rescue said this evening the living room unit was plugged in through an extension cord.
“I don’t recommend extension cords,” he said. “An extension cord is designed to be used for a short period of time. It’s not meant to be plugged in day in and day out. It’s going to heat up after a period of time.”
Porter said, as a heat wave continues to envelop the Roanoke Valley, AC units should be plugged directly into a wall socket.
In a statement Porter said the department was dispatched shortly after noon to the residential fire on Scott Lane.
The house was engulfed when firefighters arrived and no occupants were at the residence.
Garysburg and Gaston firefighters contained the fire within 10 minutes.
Fire crews remained on scene for approximately three hours performing overhaul operations. Northampton County EMS and Gaston EMS were on the scene performing firefighter rehab. The Northampton County Sherriff’s Office and Gaston Police Department were also on the scene. An elderly male occupant later arrived and the American Red Cross will be providing him with assistance.