Fire officials say Millis fire likely caused by extension cord

MILLIS — A fire two weeks ago at a Stoneybrook Drive apartment building was likely caused by an extension cord, authorities said.

The three-alarm fire, which occurred May 24 at the Stoney Brook Village complex and displaced 28 people and 16 pets, was deemed accidental, according to a statement from the state Fire Marshal's Office.

"A joint investigation by Millis Fire Department, Millis Police Department and (Massachusetts) State Police assigned to the state Fire Marshal's Office determined that the 5/24/23 fire on Stoneybrook Drive was unintentional. Specifically, they determined that the most likely cause was an extension cord that had been compressed under a storage container," the Fire Marshal's Office said in the statement.

Earlier:Three-alarm fire at Millis apartment complex displaces 28 people, 16 pets

Three pets died in the fire — a dog, a lizard and a turtle.

It took several fire departments more than an hour to get the blaze under control. The Millis Fire Department estimated the fire caused about $350,000 worth of damage.

Electrical fires are the third-leading cause of fires that occur in Massachusetts residences, according to the Fire Marshal's Office.

"Many of these fires involve the unsafe use of extension cords and power strips," according to the Fire Marshal's Office. "While these items may be convenient, it's important to use them properly and remember that they’re intended for temporary use. Keep cords out from under rugs and be sure they aren't pinched by doors, windows, furniture or other items. And as we enter the warmer months, remember that heavy appliances like air conditioners should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet — not an extension cord or power strip."

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or [email protected]. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.