Published: August 12, 2009 11:42 pm      

Fire leaves city woman homeless

CUMBERLAND — No one was injured but a city woman was left homeless when fire broke out in a Virginia Avenue apartment building late Tuesday afternoon.

Lyla Davis was being assisted by the American Red Cross following the 5:14 p.m. fire that caused an estimated $20,000 in damages to the building at 118-120 Virginia Ave. The property is owned by Herman Kirk of Capon Bridge, W.Va.

City Fire Marshal Boyce Rogers of the Cumberland Fire Department said the fire was caused by an overloaded extension cord that ignited combustible material in a second-floor bedroom of Davis’ apartment. She was reportedly visiting neighbors when the incident occurred.

The fire caused some water damage to the first-floor apartment but the occupant was expected to be allowed to return there Wednesday. Occupants at the 118 side were also able to remain in their homes with only minimal damage that occurred there.

The fire caused minor damage to soffit and facia of the neighboring property at 116 Virginia Ave. No estimate of that damage was available.

Fifteen city firefighters, including some called from off-duty status, took part in the fire operation. LaVale and Ridgeley, W.Va., volunteer fire companies also responded.

Initial reports indicated the fire was knocked down quickly but the residence was filled with smoke a short time after the alert.