Investigators say an overloaded extension cord is likely the cause of a Tuesday morning fire that displaced a man from his Tatetmville home.
Firefighters arrived at 620 Staley Ave. shortly after 10 a.m. to find smoke coming out of a front window of the single-story brick house, said Mark Keller, Savannah Fire & Emergency Services spokesman. The firefighters put the blaze out quickly and were able to limit the bulk of the fire damage to the bedroom, but some flames extended into the attic where several items sustained damage, Keller said.
Additionally, the whole house sustained water damage and heavy smoke damage, he said.
The 72-year-old resident was not home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. Keller said the occupant made arrangements to stay with nearby family members.
Based on a conversation with the resident and combing through debris inside the home, the department’s fire investigators determined an overloaded extension cord was the apparent cause of the blaze, Keller said.
The fire department encourages everyone to be cautious when using extension cords.
Fire investigators say the cords can overheat quickly and are designed for temporary use rather than long-term use. Additionally, extension cords should never be coiled under furniture and should not be run under carpeting.
Appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, stoves, washers and dryers should always be plugged into appropriate wall outlets, and extension cords should never be used with major appliances, Keller said.
Police seek suspect in May 5 shooting of homeless man
Police are asking the public’s help identifying the person who shot a homeless man May 5 during a reported robbery attempt in Savannah’s Cuyler-Brownville neighborhood.
The 51-year-old homeless man has been hospitalized in serious condition since he was shot about 9:30 p.m. that day on West 40th Street near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, said Julian Miller, Savannah-Chatham police spokesman.
Officers on patrol a block away heard shots and found him on the ground, Miller said.
Robbery detectives are trying to identify the man who reportedly demanded money from him then shot him after he refused to comply and walked away, Miller said.
The gunman was described as a clean-shaven black male, possibly in his mid-20s, standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about 140 pounds with a short haircut. At the time of the shooting, he was wearing long white pants, possibly jeans, and a blue and white polo-style short-sleeve shirt, Miller said.
Investigators can be reached confidentially at 912-525-3124.
Expect lane closures on Gulfstream Road through Friday
Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the intersection of Gulfstream Road.
The state Department of Transportation has scheduled shoulder work on Gulstream starting near Robert B. Miller and continuing to Ga. 21.
Motorists should expect minor delays in the work zone.
Motorcycle club to host ride for CrimeStoppers, Burn Foundation
The Tybee Island Chapter 27 of the Red Knight Motorcycle Club is hosting the first Black Ribbon Ride Poker Run on Saturday. The proceeds of the event will be donated to the Burn Foundation and CrimeStoppers of Savannah Chatham County.
The Red Knights Firefighters Motorcycle Inc. Club is an organization composed exclusively of firefighters dedicated to promoting motorcycle safety and fellowship among firefighters who ride motorcycles.
CrimeStoppers is excited to partner with an organization such as the Red Knights and encourages all riders to come out for the event, said agency spokeswoman Catherine Neal.
Registration starts at 10 a.m. and kickstands are up at 11 a.m. The first hand is $15 and the second is $5.
The poker run will start at Southside Fire/EMS station 12 on Dean Forest Road, then stop at station 20 in Bloomingdale, then Southeastern Motorcycle on Ga. 21, then Screamin’ Mimi’s at Price Street and Oglethorpe Avenue in downtown Savannah and will end at North Beach Grill on Tybee Island.