Officials say a fire that ravaged a Pacifica apartment complex last week was sparked by an overloaded extension cord. The blaze, which erupted on the evening of April 29 at a three-story building on Francisco Boulevard, required the response of six fire companies, two chief officers, and two fire investigators, according to the North County Fire Authority.

The first fire crew on the scene was greeted by thick smoke and noticeable flames leaping from a second-floor unit. Implementing simultaneous search and rescue operations, all building inhabitants were found safe and evacuated, with no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported, North County Fire Authority said.

After battling the fire for over four hours, the crews worked meticulously to prevent the spread of the fire to other units. Their efforts were successful, containing the damage to the unit of origin. After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters remained on the site, performing overhaul operations to check for fire extensions.

An investigation revealed that "the cause of the incident was determined to be the result of a failed portable extension cord due to overloading," as per the North County Fire Authority. The overheated cord ignited flammable items nearby, such as clothing and magazines, convincing officials to highlight electrical safety. They warn against the dangers of overloading extension cords and remind the public about the life-saving potential of smoke alarms, which, buried under the pile of burned debris, stood as silent testaments to the ensuing chaos.

Statistics show that functioning smoke alarms can double one's chances of surviving a fire. In light of this, the North County Fire Authority is urging everyone to never substitute extension cords for permanent wiring and to ensure extension cords are not covered to allow for sufficient heat escape.