2 firefighters injured, 9 people displaced after extension cord causes Malden house fire

Two firefighters were hospitalized and nine people were displaced after a three-alarm fire Monday night at a multifamily house on John Street in Malden, officials said.

The fire was caused by “unsafe use of an extension cord,” Malden Fire Chief William Sullivan and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey confirmed in a statement.

Two Malden firefighters were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after battling flames on the upper floors where the fire was concentrated, officials explained.

“We’re extremely relieved that the two injured firefighters are recovering and that none of the residents were hurt or worse,” Sullivan said. “This fire started with an indoor extension cord that was run through a window along the outside of the home, where it ignited the building’s exterior.

“If you must use an extension cord outside, be sure it’s rated for outdoor use and keep it away from water, snow, and ice,” the fire chief said.

Malden firefighters responded to the scene in the area of 24-26 John St. just after 8:30 p.m., finding smoke and flames upon arrival.

“Electrical fires are the second-leading cause of fire fatalities in Massachusetts, including nine deaths last year,” Ostroskey added. “Many of these fires start with extension cords and power strips that are damaged, overloaded, or improperly used. Always be sure that these items are free of damage and rated for their intended use. Never connect one extension cord or power strip to another, and always plug heavy appliances like space heaters directly into a wall outlet.”

Units from Everett, Lynn, Medford, Melrose, Revere, Saugus, and Somerville assisted at the scene, as well as Boston Sparks A10, Cataldo Ambulance, and the Salvation Army. The Red Cross is working to support the residents who were displaced by the fire.

See below for photos and video from the scene, as shared on Twitter:

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