FOSSTON, Minn. – State officials have determined that the improper use of a holiday light cord likely caused a house fire in Fosston on Friday, April 5, in the 700 block of 1st St. E. Fortunately, the homeowner escaped without injury. Fosston Police Chief Jim Juve emphasized the importance of using holiday light cords for their intended purpose only—plugging in holiday lights—and not for other devices. “A house fire is devastating for those involved, which is why our fire department partners always say, ‘The best fire is one that never starts in the first place,'” Chief Juve stated. “Using those cords improperly may not seem like a big deal, but it is.” Chief Juve also advised against using extension cords in combination with power strips, noting that the incident in Fosston could have resulted in tragedy but thankfully did not.