Space heater, cord caused fatal fire

Chronicle, The (Willimantic, CT)

Jan. 3--COVENTRY -- An extension cord connected to a portable space heater was deemed as the cause of a fatal fire in town Monday.

The Coventry fire marshal's office announced the cause of the fire Thursday evening, ruling it accidental in nature due to the extension cord failure.

The fire, which occurred at 821 Main St., claimed the life of 76- year- old Cecilia Brackett and badly burned her husband, 79-yearold Basil Brackett, who remains in fair condition at Bridgeport Hospital. Both lived at the house.

Coventry Fire Marshal Bud Meyers was aided in the investigation by the Connecticut State Fire Marshal's Office and state police Fire Investigation and Explosion Unit. According to a release issued by Meyers' office Thursday, ADT monitoring services notified Tolland County 911 Center of a smoke detector activation in the residence at 821 Main St., just before midnight Sunday.

Coventry fire departments were dispatched to the one-story, woodframed, 1,040-square-foot residential building.

Witnesses reported, on their arrival as they were making their way up the driveway, no visible fire or lights were showing from the house, according to the release.

Basil Brackett was found by responders outside the home with visible burns and transported to Hartford Hospital then transferred to the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital.

He was listed in fair condition as of this morning, according to Bridgeport Hospital spokesman John Cappiello.

Cecilia Brackett was found by firefighters in the living room and removed from the home and was pronounced dead on-scene.

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as smoke inhalation and burns, which is also accidental in nature, spokesperson Dawn Garcia said today.

" The living room is located at the southeast side, front area of

SPACE HEATER, Page 4

The fire claimed the life of Cecilia Brackett and badly burned her husband, Basil Brackett.

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Space heater and cord caused fatal fire

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the building and through our investigation we have deemed this to be the area of origin," reads a statement by Meyers. " The cause of the fire is accidental in nature due to a failure of an extension cord connected to a portable space heater."

Coventry Fire-EMS Administrator James McLoughlin said manufacturer recommendations for space heaters are to plug them directly into the wall and not use an extension cord.

This is because space heaters draw heavy amperage and can overheat an extension cord outlet.

" This is a heartbreaking incident that occurred to this family and our community. We commend the courageous efforts of the first responders, and our sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this loss," Meyers continued in the release.

" The Town of Coventry and the fire marshal's office lends its support for the family and all the first responders as they work through the pain they may carry from this tragedy."

Coventry Town Manager John Elsesser said Tuesday the town is working to assist Basil Brackett through its human services office and broader community outreach.

He said the house has been boarded up and appears repairable.

"Insurance is always primary," he said. " We need to understand the wishes of the homeowner first. That takes a bit of time."

Follow Lisa Massicotte on Twitter -- @LMassicotteTC.

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