An electrical fire that originated under a fish tank at the Americus Library Tuesday led to some structural and content damage but did not spread to the rest of the building.
At 1 p.m. Tuesday, Anita Wescott arrived to open the library, 710 Main St., She smelled smoke, heard the smoke alarm and noticed black particles in the air, according to a Lyon County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Wescott went to the bank and called 911. Americus fire and police officials responded as well as the Emporia Fire Department and sheriff’s deputies. By the time they arrived, the fire had significantly died down, said Tom Andrews, Emporia fire marshall.
The fire originated under a fish tank in a cabinet on the southeast wall of the library. The cause was an overloaded outlet.
“They had two surge protectors piggybacked,” Andrews said. “One was plugged into the other, which was plugged into the wall. That’s a no-no.”
A preliminary estimate was $10,000 in damage to the structure and $15,000 in lost contests.
For the full story, pick up the Thursday Emporia Gazette.
railroadhorn (anonymous) says...
Haven't yet read the full story but let's hope the city had insurance! Doubling up on surge protectors is an accident waiting to happen. Obviously.
March 2, 2011 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chrissylynn_2 (anonymous) says...
Insurance company will chalk this up to neglect on the libraries part for the "piggy baccking" and it will not be covered.
This is the way of the insurance world.
March 2, 2011 at 2:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
joejoe2 (anonymous) says...
Chrisslynn_2
This loss is covered even if its neglect on the library. Dont comment on thigs you dont know about.
March 2, 2011 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
joejoe2 (anonymous) says...
Sorry, on "things" your dont know about
March 2, 2011 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
localnovelist83 (anonymous) says...
Please get your facts straight before accusing the people who run the library of negligence.
March 2, 2011 at 5:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dml (anonymous) says...
Wouldn't the circuit breaker trip or fuse blow if it was the right wattage before the wiring overheated? That is what circuit breakers and fuses are for, isn't it?
March 2, 2011 at 11:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GreatDayInEmporia (anonymous) says...
:( What a sad day for such a sweet little library. Bet no one plugs in surge protectors like that again!
Like the wise Dr. Seuss wrote in Oh the Places You'll Go, his insightful and timeless guide to life:
"...there's a very good chance you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.
But on you will go though the weather be foul.
On you will go though your enemies prowl...
...So be sure when you step.
Step with great care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And NEVER mix up your right foot with your left."
March 3, 2011 at 12:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )