At 15:35 hours, Station 20 along with Engine 78, Attack 64, Engine 22, Engine 9, and Rescue 87 for the RIT assignment were dispatched to 3655 North Hills Road in the first due for a garbage can on fire underneath a deck endangering the residence. Director 610 arrived on scene and confirmed that the fire had been put out by the homeowner. Engine 78 arrived first and Chief 78 established the North Hills Road command per Lieutenant 20-1. The crew from 78 found a 30 gallon garbage can melted to the ground on the C side of the structure with negative extension. Lieutenant 20-1 assumed the command and investigated the fire. Apparently, an extension cord used to plug in a diesel car was left plugged in near the garbage can. The end of the extension cord was submerged in water and ice from the melting snow and malfunctioned causing the fire. Quick action by the homeowner, who was alerted to the fire by their daughter, contained the fire by using snow and prevented any damage to their home. Crews out approximately one half hour.
