Overloaded Cord May Have Sparked Westborough 2

WESTBOROUGH, MA — An overloaded electrical cord and space heater may have sparked a large fire in a Westborough home early Friday, according to the fire department.

Firefighters responded to the Adams Street home around 6:30 a.m. Friday and found smoke and flames emanating from the living room. The sole occupant of the home was able to escape thanks to a working smoke detector.

Westborough firefighters — with help from colleagues from Grafton, Hopkinton, Northborough, Shrewsbury and Southborough — were able to put the blaze out in about an hour. No one was injured during the fight.

"Damage is estimated at $500,000. The Westborough Building Commissioner is inspecting the home. The occupant has made housing arrangements with family," the department said in a news release. "A preliminary investigation by the Westborough Fire Investigation Unit has determined the fire was caused by an overloaded older-style extension cord into which a space heater was plugged."

Westborough Fire Chief Patrick Purcell asked residents to be careful with high-draw electrical devices.

"We ask residents to be extremely careful when using space heaters or extension cords, especially with another cold front expected this weekend," he said.

Hopedale and Upton firefighters responded to other calls in town while local firefighters were busy on Adams Street.