Fire caused by improper use of extension cord

GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville fire marshal said Tuesday the fire at a house on Tower Heights Road Monday was caused by a cheap extension cord.

Jerome Yarbrough says the cord was being used to provide power to a part of the house that didn't have electrical service - and had been "crimped" by a closed door and window. Crimping of an extension cord, Yarbrough said, can cause a buildup of heat and, subsequently, a fire.

He caused against using cheap extension cords as a permanent source of power.

Yarbrough also said Tuesday that the house has been declared a total loss.