Tag:

Electrical Safety

Electrical Failures Spark Fires As Massive Minifridge Recall Expands Electrical Failures Spark Fires As Massive Minifridge Recall Expands
Electrical Failures Spark Fires As Massive Minifridge Recall Expands Hundreds of thousands of Frigidaire-brand minifridges are being recalled after several caught fire, officials said. Curtis International issued the recall for about 330,000 Frigidaire-brand six-can minifridges, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, Jan. 15. The Canadian company previously recalled about 634,000 similar minifridges in July 2024. Internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing, creating fire and burn hazards. At least six fires caused property damage, although no injuries have been reporte…
That's Too Hot: Paris Hilton Mini Fridges Catch Fire, Sparking Major Recall That's Too Hot: Paris Hilton Mini Fridges Catch Fire, Sparking Major Recall
That's Too Hot: Paris Hilton Mini Fridges Catch Fire, Sparking Major Recall Socialite Paris Hilton's mini fridges have taken her catchphrase of "That's hot" too literally. Epoca International is recalling about 110,000 Paris Hilton Mini Beauty Fridges, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, Sept. 12. The agency said the mini fridges' electrical switch can short-circuit, posing a fire and burn hazard. There have been at least 27 reports of fridges overheating and catching fire, according to the CPSC. No injuries were reported, though some incidents caused property damage to the unit and nearby surfaces. The recall covers f…
LAWSUIT: Tenant Seeks $5M After Hamburg Apartment Fire Blamed On Water Heater LAWSUIT: Tenant Seeks $5M After Hamburg Apartment Fire Blamed On Water Heater
Lawsuit: Tenant Seeks $5M After Hamburg Apartment Fire Blamed On Water Heater A Sussex County tenant is demanding more than $5 million in damages, claiming his landlord’s negligence turned his bedroom closet into a “ticking time bomb” that nearly killed him. According to a civil complaint filed in Morris County Superior Court in July, Rudolf Makel was found unresponsive near the rear sliding door of his apartment at 22 Wits End Road after smoke alarms sounded and heavy smoke filled the unit. Firefighters said he had “obvious burns to his face and soot to his naris (nostrils) and mouth” before being rushed to Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, the suit reads.…
150+ Fire Reports Spark Major Recall Of 2.9M Attic Fan Motors 150+ Fire Reports Spark Major Recall Of 2.9M Attic Fan Motors
150+ Fire Reports Spark Major Recall Of 2.9M Attic Fan Motors Nearly three million attic fan motors sold nationwide are being recalled after more than 150 reports of fires. Air Vent Inc. issued the recall for about 2.9 million electric motors used in gable- and roof-mounted attic fans, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, Aug. 28. The recall covers five different model numbers listed on the CPSC's website. According to the recall notice, the motors' safety cutoff can fail, creating a risk of short circuit and fire. Air Vent has received 159 incident reports involving burning or fire, though no injuries have been repo…
2 Firefighters Injured, Cat Rescued From West Milford Blaze: Officials 2 Firefighters Injured, Cat Rescued From West Milford Blaze: Officials
2 Firefighters Injured, Cat Rescued From West Milford Blaze: Officials Two firefighters were injured battling a house fire in West Milford on Saturday, Aug. 16, officials said. West Milford fire crews responded to a reported structure fire on Otterhole Road just before 10 a.m., where responders were met by heavy fire and smoke on the front of the home, the fire department said. Fire crews from Butler, Bloomingdale, Wanaque, Riverdale, and Pompton Lakes joined West Milford at the scene, officials said. Firefighters first went inside the home to fight the flames, but heavy smoke and intense heat forced them back outside, where they continued battling the fire, a…
Livestreamer Shocked By Lightning While Gaming: Why Plugged-In Devices Are Risky During Storms Livestreamer Shocked By Lightning While Gaming: Why Plugged-In Devices Are Risky During Storms
Livestreamer Shocked By Lightning While Gaming: Why Plugged-In Devices Are Risky During Storms A gamer’s electrifying livestream took a terrifying turn when a lightning bolt struck outside his home, sending a surge through his plugged-in headset and shocking viewers, and himself. The incident happened around 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Chrispymate, as he’s known online, was broadcasting live on Twitch when the screen suddenly flashed white and a deafening crack filled the audio.  In the video, shown here in this AccuWeather report, Chrispymate leaps from his chair, rips off his headphones, and bolts off camera. “Bro, I just got struck by …
Mini Fridge Fires Cause $700K In Damage, Sparking Massive Recall Mini Fridge Fires Cause $700K In Damage, Sparking Massive Recall
Mini Fridge Fires Cause $700K In Damage, Sparking Massive Recall More than 630,000 mini refrigerators sold at Walmart and Amazon are being recalled after dozens reportedly caught fire or melted. Curtis International is recalling about 634,000 Frigidaire-brand mini fridges, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 24. The internal electrical parts in the fridges can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing, posing serious fire and burn hazards. There have been 26 reports of the mini fridges "smoking, sparking, burning, melting, overheating, and catching fire." Two people suffered smoke inhalation, whi…
High-Voltage Power Line Crashes Through Glen Rock Driver's Windshield — She Somehow Survives High-Voltage Power Line Crashes Through Glen Rock Driver's Windshield — She Somehow Survives
High-Voltage Power Line Crashes Through Glen Rock Driver's Windshield — She Somehow Survives A driver narrowly escaped serious injury or worse when a high-voltage power line crashed onto her windshield while she was driving in Bergen County, incident reporter Boyd A. Loving said. The incident happened Thursday, May 15, after a tree fell and knocked down the live wire on Cornwall Road in Glen Rock, Loving said. Despite the terrifying moment, the driver of the Mazda CX 9 was uninjured and managed to drive her car away safely after speaking with a Glen Rock police officer, who gathered details for an accident report. Photo(s) of the day, 05/15/2025: A driver narrowly escape…
12 Dogs Die In Maryland House Fire Sparked By Power Strip, Officials Say 12 Dogs Die In Maryland House Fire Sparked By Power Strip, Officials Say
12 Dogs Die In Maryland House Fire Sparked By Power Strip, Officials Say A devastating fire in Western Maryland killed a dozen dogs and sent one person to the hospital after tearing through an area home, officials say. Fire crews were called to the one-story home in the 15600 block of Brice Hollow Road around 12:45 p.m. Thursday, April 3, in Cumberland, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal. The blaze started in a bedroom and was ruled accidental — caused by an electrical malfunction involving a power strip, investigators said. Roughly 35 firefighters from the District 16 Volunteer Fire Department responded and brought the flames under control within 25 …
Electric Shock Sends Person To Hospital In Lancaster City: Dispatch Electric Shock Sends Person To Hospital In Lancaster City: Dispatch
Electric Shock Sends Person To Hospital In Lancaster City: Dispatch A person was rushed to the hospital after being shocked in Lancaster City on Monday morning, March 11, emergency dispatchers confirmed. The incident happened near South Queen and Furnace streets around 11:29 a.m., according to dispatch logs. The severity of the person’s injuries has not been disclosed. Officials have not said what caused the shock. No further details were immediately available.
Reptile Tank Fire Displaces Family Of Nine In Leesburg Reptile Tank Fire Displaces Family Of Nine In Leesburg
Reptile Tank Fire Displaces Family Of Nine In Leesburg A Leesburg family of nine is without a home after a devastating electrical fire ripped through their house on Valentine’s Day, destroying nearly everything inside. Firefighters rushed to the 800 block of Wage Drive just after 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, where they were met with flames and heavy smoke pouring from the first floor of the split-level home, according to Loudoun County fire officials. The residents made it out unharmed, but their pets weren’t as lucky as Loudoun County Animal Services responded to assist the family after a cat and a reptile perished in the blaze. Crews from L…
126K+ Lose Power, 1 Killed, Flights Grounded, Trains Delayed, Roads Closed As Winds Slam PA 126K+ Lose Power, 1 Killed, Flights Grounded, Trains Delayed, Roads Closed As Winds Slam PA
126K+ Lose Power, 1 Killed, Flights Grounded, Trains Delayed, Roads Closed As Winds Slam PA Fierce winds ripped through Pennsylvania from Sunday, Feb. 16, into Monday, Feb. 17, toppling trees, knocking out power to 126,000 people, shutting down roads, and causing deadly destruction. A woman was killed when a tree crushed her car in Philadelphia, flights were grounded, trains delayed, and thousands remain in the dark as crews scramble to repair the damage. Widespread Power Outages Powerful winds up to 60 miles per hour knocked out electricity for 126,000 PECO customers at its peak, with 42,210 still without power as of 11:45 a.m. Monday, according to the company. PECO reported 1,642…
Downed Live Wires Outside School Shut Roadway At Hackensack/Maywood Border Downed Live Wires Outside School Shut Roadway At Hackensack/Maywood Border
Downed Live Wires Outside School Shut Roadway At Hackensack/Maywood Border A portion of The Esplanade was closed due to downed live wires Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 28. The wires fell from a utility pole outside of Nellie K. Parker School just before the Central Avenue intersection. Repairs were underway as of 1 p.m.
Electrical Extension Cord Sparks Deadly Dundalk House Fire Electrical Extension Cord Sparks Deadly Dundalk House Fire
Electrical Extension Cord Sparks Deadly Dundalk House Fire A faulty extension cord may be to blame for the fatal house fire in Baltimore County that claimed the life of a 74-year-old woman. Janet Pereira died on Wednesday, Jan. 22 when a fire broke out shortly before noon in a home in the 1800 block of Marshall Road in Dundalk. Upon arrival, a spokesperson from the Baltimore County Fire Department said that they were met by flames coming from the front of the home, and were advised by witnesses that there was a woman unaccounted for. Pereira was found on the first floor of the burning home and she was pronounced dead at the scene. One firefighter…
Marijuana Grow Operation Sparks House Fire, Displaces Six: NYCRPD Marijuana Grow Operation Sparks House Fire, Displaces Six: NYCRPD
Marijuana Grow Operation Sparks House Fire, Displaces Six: Nycrpd A house fire in Jackson Township led police to uncover an illegal marijuana grow operation early Friday morning, according to the Northern York County Regional Police Department. Firefighters responded to the blaze at 199 North Alpine Drive in York at 4:39 a.m. on Dec. 20. While battling the flames, crews discovered a hydroponic marijuana-growing system in the basement, prompting police to secure the property and execute a search warrant, authorities said. Officers recovered numerous marijuana plants, a hydroponic growing system, additional illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun, …
Arborist Electrocuted Cutting Tres In Alexandria: Police Arborist Electrocuted Cutting Tres In Alexandria: Police
Arborist Electrocuted Cutting Tres In Alexandria: Police An arborist was killed on the job while chopping tres in Alexandria, officials confirmed on Sunday. Shortly after 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, members of the Alexandria Fire and Police departments were called to the unit block of West Mount Ida Avenue, where there was report of a worker suffering from injuries after coming into contact with an electrical wire. Investigators say that upon arrival, crews found the arborist unresponsive, and the initial probe found that a branch in the tree he was trimming made contact with a live power line. Dominion Power responded to assist in clear…
Power Line Lands On Car, Causes It To Catch On Fire Near Larchmont Homes Power Line Lands On Car, Causes It To Catch On Fire Near Larchmont Homes
Power Line Lands On Car, Causes It To Catch On Fire Near Larchmont Homes A downed power line caused a car to go up in flames while parked dangerously close to homes and other parked vehicles in Westchester, fire officials said. The incident happened on Wednesday, May 22 just after 1:30 p.m., when a power line fell on top of a parked car in the area of Magnolia Avenue and Prospect Avenue in Larchmont, the Larchmont Fire Department announced on Thursday, May 23.  Arriving fire crews found that the vehicle had gone up in flames, endangering another parked car and a home close by.  Because the blaze was caused by an active electrical line, firefighters ha…
3 Employees Severely Burned In Explosion At Capital Region Hydro Plant 3 Employees Severely Burned In Explosion At Capital Region Hydro Plant
3 Employees Severely Burned In Explosion At Capital Region Hydro Plant Three employees are hospitalized following an explosion at a hydroelectric plant in the region. Emergency crews in Rensselaer County were called at around 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, for an explosion at the Mount Ida Hydroelectric plant in Troy, located along Poesten Kill creek near Congress and Cypress streets. Troy Fire Chief Richard Cellucci said the city was working with National Grid to shut off power at the station when three men were hit by "a large electrical arc." All three victims suffered severe burns but were able to escape the building and call 911. Two were flown to a bur…
Metro-North Train Becomes Tangled In Wires, Causing Delays, Small Fire In Norwalk Metro-North Train Becomes Tangled In Wires, Causing Delays, Small Fire In Norwalk
Metro-North Train Becomes Tangled In Wires, Causing Delays, Small Fire In Norwalk A Metro-North train got tangled in overhead power wires in Fairfield County, causing a small brush fire and stopping the train, causing delays. The incident occurred in Norwalk around 4:45 p.m. Monday, May 20, on an eastbound train near Moore Place, carrying passengers who had become entangled in the overhead wires that supply operational power to the train. According to Deputy Chief Jonathan Maggio of the Norwalk Fire Department, the circuit breaker for the track detected the fault and de-energized it automatically.  Maggio said a small brush fire was extinguished adjacent …
Disoriented Resident Rescued, 3 Hurt In Loudoun County House Fire: Officials Disoriented Resident Rescued, 3 Hurt In Loudoun County House Fire: Officials
Disoriented Resident Rescued, 3 Hurt In Loudoun County House Fire: Officials Firefighters rescued one civilian and three people were injured in a Loudoun County fire last week. At 8:21 p.m., Friday, May 3, fire and rescue units responded to a house fire in the 45000 block of Old Ox Road in Sterling where flames were shooting out of the home, and one person was still inside, officials said. Firefighters made entry, quickly extinguishing the fire, and rescued one occupant who had become disoriented and overcome by smoke. The victim was promptly treated by EMS and transported by ground to Med-Star Washington Hospital Center for further medical attention. A second resid…
JCP&L Will Trim Trees Along 3,400 Miles Of Power Lines To Reduce Outages JCP&L Will Trim Trees Along 3,400 Miles Of Power Lines To Reduce Outages
JCP&L Will Trim Trees Along 3,400 Miles Of Power Lines To Reduce Outages Jersey Central Power & Light is planning to trim trees to protect more than 3,400 miles of power lines across the Garden State, officials said. JCP&L will clear trees as part of a $32.5 million plan to prevent power outages during severe weather, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, Apr. 10. It's the first part of an annual $1.5 million increase in tree-trimming costs as part of a settlement with the state Board of Public Utilities. JCP&L also said it will spend $2.5 million more in each of the next five years to expand trimming zones along 18 high-priority circ…
Tree Worker Electrocuted By Power Line In Morris County: Police Tree Worker Electrocuted By Power Line In Morris County: Police
Tree Worker Electrocuted By Power Line In Morris County: Police A tree worker was killed after coming in contact with a power line in Morris County on the afternoon of Thursday, April 4, police said. The worker was at 95 Taylortown Road in Montville when he came in contact with the line around  3:50 p.m., Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano said. The Montville Fire Department, Morris County EMS, and Jersey Central Power and Light responded to the scene, Caggiano said. The worker was removed from the tree and taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead, Caggiano said. The identity of the worker is not being released at thi…
Somers Firefighters Battle Car Blaze, Burning Wires Somers Firefighters Battle Car Blaze, Burning Wires
Somers Firefighters Battle Car Blaze, Burning Wires Firefighters battled both a car blaze and downed burning wires that began at nearly the same time during a busy morning in Northern Westchester.  The incidents happened on Wednesday, April 3 just before 9 a.m., when firefighters in Somers responded to downed burning wires on Route 202 near Todd Road while also being called to the scene of a car blaze in a parking lot on Route 6.  According to the Somers Volunteer Fire Department, the car blaze was successfully put out with  1,000 gallons of water. Meanwhile, firefighters closed Route 202 while NYSEG could shut off the power a…
Dog Killed In Cecil County When Camper Goes Up In Flames: Fire Marshal Dog Killed In Cecil County When Camper Goes Up In Flames: Fire Marshal
Dog Killed In Cecil County When Camper Goes Up In Flames: Fire Marshal A Maryland family is mourning the loss of a pet who was killed when a camper caught fire in Cecil County over the weekend. Crews from the Community Fire Company of Rising Sun were called into action shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, when a blaze broke out on McGrady Rose, officials said. It took a team of more than two dozen firefighters just 10 minutes to get the flames under control, but not before a dog perished in the fire. The fire caused an estimated $8,000 in damage. Officials say that the fire was caused by a rear electrical cord reel that heated up and sparked the fla…
Photos: Firefighters Put Out Blaze At Greenhouses In Westchester Photos: Firefighters Put Out Blaze At Greenhouses In Westchester
Photos: Firefighters Put Out Blaze At Greenhouses In Westchester Firefighters worked hard to extinguish a fire that broke out in a Westchester greenhouse. Members of the Hartsdale Fire Department responded to the Hartsdale Greenhouses at approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, where there were multiple reports of a smoke plume in the area. According to fire officials, first responders located a well-involved storage building fire with an electrical pole arcing overhead.  A hose line was first stretched and placed in operation to stop the advancing fire while firefighters worked cautiously to avoid the electrical hazard. Officials said that the…
Contractor Hospitalized After Being Shocked By Wire In Linden Contractor Hospitalized After Being Shocked By Wire In Linden
Contractor Hospitalized After Being Shocked By Wire In Linden A 40-year-old contractor was hospitalized with burns after a tree branch he was cutting fell on a high wire and onto him, authorities said.  The contractor from Ohio was cutting the tree limb at 1800 Lower Road (a commercial building), when the limb fell around 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, Linden police Lt. Christopher Guenther said. The wire fell on the contractor, shocking and knocking him to the ground, Guenther said.  He was transported to RWJBH Rahway Hospital for treatment. 
Areas Near Transformer Explosion In Norwalk Expected To Remain Without Power For Most Of Day Areas Near Transformer Explosion In Norwalk Expected To Remain Without Power For Most Of Day
Areas Near Transformer Explosion In Norwalk Expected To Remain Without Power For Most Of Day Norwalk Fire Department officials say businesses near the area where an explosion and fire in a sidewalk electrical transformer took place will be without power most the day. The incident took place around 9:35 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, in front of 44 North Main Street, said Norwalk Deputy Fire Chief Edward Prescott. According to Prescott, the vault/transformer had its door blown open with flames and heavy black smoke showing, when firefighters arrived on the scene.  Firefighters initially stood by with a hose line and checked the buildings near the vault for any smoke or fire extension…
Electrical Fire At High-Rise Westchester Apartment Forces Hundreds To Evacuate Electrical Fire At High-Rise Westchester Apartment Forces Hundreds To Evacuate
Electrical Fire At High-Rise Westchester Apartment Forces Hundreds To Evacuate Hundreds of Westchester residents were forced to evacuate a 19-story high rise apartment building in Yonkers when a fire broke out, officials said. A fire broke out at a Central Park Avenue apartment complex shortly after 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Flynn said. The fire forced approximately 250 units to be cleared after flames broke out in the building. Flynn said the first responders initially found smoke in the lobby and a fire in the electrical room, which was quickly extinguished. The fire spread to a floor above, but caused minimal damage. The building lo…
Police Identify Victims Of Double-Fatal Stamford Crash Police Identify Victims Of Double-Fatal Stamford Crash
Police Identify Victims Of Double-Fatal Stamford Crash Two teens killed and four others injured in a single-vehicle crash in Stamford have been identified. The crash took place around 2:32 a.m., Monday, Aug. 26, when a 2008 Nissan Altima struck two utility polices, knocking down both of them and sending live electrical wires on top of the vehicle on Canal Street, just north of Ludlow Street, said Stamford Police Sgt. Jeffrey Booth. When police arrived on the scene, they found that three of the six occupants were able to exit the vehicle; three were trapped in the vehicle, he said. According to Booth, Kymoni Pollock, 19, died at the scene,…
IDs Released For Utility Workers Electrocuted In Area IDs Released For Utility Workers Electrocuted In Area
IDs Released For Utility Workers Electrocuted In Area Police have identified two electric workers who were found dead at the bottom of an electric pole after firefighters responded to a brush fire in Orange County. Derrick Paris, 51, of West Caldwell, New Jersey, and Justin McLoughlin, 28, of Trenton, Georgia, were working as private contractors for Orange & Rockland Utilities, when the were killed, said ABC 7.  According to O&R, the incident took place shortly before 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 19, when the two men were electrocuted in Warwick while performing work for O&R along a transmission right-of-way, said Mike Donovan, spoke…
Two Utility Workers Electrocuted In Area Two Utility Workers Electrocuted In Area
Two Utility Workers Electrocuted In Area Two electric workers were found dead at the bottom of an electric pole after firefighters responded to a brush fire in Orange County. According to Orange & Rockland Utilities, shortly before 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 19, two EJ Electric contractors were electrocuted in Warwick, while performing work for O&R along a transmission right-of-way, said Mike Donovan, spokesman for O&R. "These contractor employees generally perform transmission repair work for O&R and also provide distribution repair support during storm response," Donovan said. The two men, who reportedly worked for a…