PROVINCETOWN – State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Provincetown Fire Chief Michael S. Trovato announced that the cause of the May 28, 2017 fire at the Red Shack restaurant at 315 Commercial Street in Provincetown is accidental. The fire caused over $1 million in damages and one person was injured in the 6 p.m. fire.
The fire started in a second floor office where an extension cord was plugged into a power strip, which in turn had several items plugged into it. Due to the extent of the damage, the fire will remain officially undetermined, but there is no evidence of any other cause than an overloaded extension cord.
The fire was jointly investigated by the Provincetown Fire Department and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
State Fire Marshal Ostroskey said, “May was electrical safety month. This fire is a reminder to take a few minutes to check around our homes and our workplaces for electrical hazards and correct them.”
Don’t Overload Circuits or Daisy Chain Extension Cords and Power Strips
One way to prevent electrical fires is to practice electrical safety. Fires often start when too many things are plugged into a single outlet or circuit, overloading them. Another frequent cause is using extension cords, especially with appliances that generate heat like space heaters, irons, and toasters. Extension cords are designed for temporary use, but many people leave them in place permanently and forget about them.
Media release furnished by Provincetown Police
