EAST BRADY, Clarion County — Fire investigators have determined an overheated electric strip was to blame for last week’s blaze that damaged a rental house in the borough’s downtown district.

No one was injured in the weekend fire in the 300 block of Kellys Way that caused about $20,000 in damage.

The state police fire marshal Tuesday ruled the fire was accidental and electrical in nature.

Smoke and flames were reported at the house with a first floor and basement about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Crews from the East Brady Volunteer Fire Department were first on scene.

“Smoke was rolling out the living room window,” said East Brady Fire Chief Philip Beabout. “We got inside and had (the fire) out in about 15 minutes.”

The quick knock down limited the fire damage to the living room, where the investigators believe the blaze started behind the television/entertainment center, said Trooper David Powell.

“It appears that the electric fireplace was plugged into a plastic electric strip which overheated,” Powell said, “causing the surrounding combustibles to smolder and heat up until they ignited.”

The smoldering apparently occurred for some time, he said.

The entire house, owned by F. Theodore Mellish of Chicora, had heavy smoke damage. Authorities said Mellish has insurance on the property. The tenant, 49-year-old Dana Groncki, has renter’s insurance.

Groncki had to find other housing arrangements in wake of the fire. Beabout said it appeared the house would have to be remodeled before it could again be occupied.

Assisting the East Brady VFD were firefighters from Rimersburg and Sugarcreek, both in Armstrong County.