Electrical Short Blamed for Garage Fire
An electrical short in a timer linked to the exterior Christmas lights of a two-story Simi Valley home caused a small garage fire Tuesday morning, Ventura County Fire Department officials said.
About 18 firefighters showed up and extinguished the fire at 2370 Lawnview Court in 20 minutes.
The 7:08 a.m. fire caused an estimated $10,000 in damage to the garage and $10,000 to its contents, officials said.
The Ventura County Fire Department provides safety tips for the holiday season, including:
* Use no more than three sets of lights per single extension cord.
* Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.
* Check the labels of outdoors lights to make sure they are weatherproof.
* Plug lights into circuit-breaker strips.
* Don’t use indoor lights outside or outdoor lights inside.
* Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, walls or some other firm support to protect them from wind damage.
* Never use lighted candles on a tree or near evergreens.
* Keep candles away from wrapping paper and other decorations.
* Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.
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