Staff report
A fire that engulfed the Park Avenue home of an elderly couple a week ago was caused by an overloaded outlet, fire officials said.
The couple, Cathryn and Hugh Smith, were able to escape unharmed.
According to Salisbury Fire Department spokeswoman Chris Kepley, the blaze started in a closet at 1323 Park Ave.
The fire occurred at 1:18 a.m. and fire officials finished around 4:20 a.m.
She said a smoke detector woke the couple. Hugh Smith tried to put the fire out with a water hose, but was unsuccessful.
An extension cord that had a heater and light plugged into it caused the fire.
Kepley said in addition to the fire in the closet, a fuse was blown in the couple’s basement.
The damage to the house, including structure and contents, was estimated at $20,000.
The Salisbury and Granite Quarry fire departments and Rowan County Rescue Squad responded to the fire.
Hugh Smith was evaluated for smoke inhalation, but suffered no major injuries.