An electrical outlet short caused a fire at Auto Max Collision, 921 Ave F North Friday, Aug. 19, Fire Marshal Dan Shook reported.
Bay City Volunteer Fire Department responded to the structure fire at 2:25 p.m. and was assisted by Markham Volunteer Fire Department and Bay City Police, and the fire was extinguished in about 20 minutes said Shook who investigated the fire.
No one was injured during the fire.
The damage to the building and contents is estimated to be about $75,000, the Fire Marshal said.
It was discovered there was an outlet that shorted, causing the fire.
The rain conditions at the time contributed to the fire.
Some of the most common electrical safety hazards include power outlets that are: Sparking, have visible burn marks or smell like smoke, making buzzing or popping sounds, are hot to the touch, have attracted ants and pests, are outdated and require replacement, are not weatherproofed, or are exposed and accessible to children.
In these circumstances, Shook said, it’s critical to address the risk of electrical shock and fire and to have the outlet repaired or replaced safely by a licensed electrician.
