Overheated cord caused fatal fire
Thursday, January 11, 2007

SPRINGFIELD - An overheated electrical extension cord in the living room started the Sunday fire that killed Lynn Etheridge-Michel, 53, and her son Jakob Michel, 16, in their home at 42 Nathaniel St., according to members of the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad and state troopers from the state fire marshal's office.

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I think there's a good chance there was smoke for a while before the fire ignited and flames got out of control. It's of course a bad idea to use a thin cord which can overheat. But still if the cord had been plugged into something that would cut off power if smoke was detected, maybe they'd still be alive. I honestly believe my product can save lives.