Xbox console cord causes smoke, sparks in Read Center

The Bloomington Fire Department responded to a call from Read Center at about 1 p.m. Thursday after numerous electrical items, including an Xbox video game console, had been plugged into a power strip and overheated, causing smoke and sparks, according to an IU Police Department report. A dry chemical extinguisher was used prior to the fire department's arrival.\nThe smoke and sparks on the fifth floor of Read-Curry were caused specifically by a power cord belonging to a student's Xbox, according to the police report. On Feb. 17, Microsoft announced a recall of all power cords made on or before Oct. 23, 2003, except for cords in continental Europe. Microsoft claimed that less than one in 10,000 consoles have been affected, but the BFD is concerned about the cords.\n"This recall greatly concerns us because of the fire potential with reported scorched carpets, entertainment centers and smoke damage," BFD Chief Jeff Barlow said in a press release. "With almost 60 percent of the city's population between the ages of 15 and 34, this represents a significant target audience that could be impacted by this recall. We want our citizens to be aware of how they can prevent this hazard from becoming a problem: get your power cords replaced."\nThe BFD advises users to turn off and unplug their Xboxes when not using them as well. Students and Bloomington residents can request a new power cord at www.xbox.com or by calling (866) 271-0450.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Christina Galoozis at cgaloozi@indiana.edu.