Christmas Lights, Cord Cause House Fire in Portsmouth

Portsmouth firefighters battled a blaze at a Wapping Road home early Thursday morning.

The fire was caused by "an overheated string of Christmas lights and extension cord," said Deputy Chief Michael O'Brien. 

At 12:32 a.m. Thursday, the Portsmouth Fire Department received a 911 call from 144 Wapping Road, reporting that their house was filling with smoke.

The first fire company arrived at 12:39 a.m. 

Firefighters arrived to find the occupants outside the home waiting for them. Upon entry to the home, firefighters found smoke, but no visible flames.

Crews scanned the home with thermal imagers in an attempt locate the hidden fire.

"Locating the fire was challenging," said O'Brien. Town records show that the 5,000 square foot home was constructed in 1880.

Construction methods of that time, called balloon frame construction, allowed for large void spaces to be created within walls.  Smoke from the hidden fire traveled and vented throughout the residence.

Firefighters were able to locate the fire in an exterior wall. The fire started from an overheated string of Christmas lights and extension cord.

The exterior shingles ignited and spread into the home. The fire's origin was obscured by heavy vegetation.

Firefighters used tools to cut into the walls and were able to quickly extinguish the fire. Damage to the home was limited to the exterior wall and electrical system.

Firefighters were able to isolate the effected electrical service and restore power to the rest of the home. After ventilation, the home owners were able to stay in their home.

The last crew cleared the scene 2:05 a.m. A Newport Naval Station engine provided coverage to town during response.