Attic fire caused by heating unit and extension cord at Oconomowoc hotel

OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Western Lakes Fire District responded to a fire at TownePlace Suites in Oconomowoc on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Assistant Chief Joseph Hoffman said crews discovered an attic fire after breaching the ceiling and began putting it out. Multiple fire departments responded including Lake Country, Hartland, City of Waukesha, Merton and City of Brookfield. Additional units from Pewaukee, Watertown, Mukwonago and Vernon provided coverage for secondary calls during the incident.

Hoffman said the fire was reportedly caused by an extension cord powering a heating unit near sprinkler pipes.

“The business had worked on trying to condition the space a little better so that they could provide heat up in our extremely cold temperatures,” Hoffman said. “It is a side effect of our cold temperature right now.”

Hoffman said powering space heaters with extension cords can lead to issues. He’s urging caution when powering them up to stay warm

“Space heaters can be very safe,” Hoffman said. “The number one key of any use of a space heater is that you use it in an occupied space, somebody’s always in that room keeping an eye on it making sure that stuff is kept away from it.”

No injuries have been reported as a result of the hotel fire.