DANVILLE, Va. – Danville firefighters have responded to a pair of house fires in as many days.

The first call was received just before 6 p.m. on Thursday. Crews responded to 206 Watson Street and found light smoke coming from the rear of the home.  The occupant advised that a small mattress was on fire on the back porch.  Danville fire fighters removed the mattress from the porch, and extinguished the fire with a water extinguisher.  The interior of the house sustained minor smoke damage, with minor damage to the rear porch, electric panel box, and plastic conduit.  Due to the electric panel box being compromised by the fire, the electricity was disconnected.

Three occupants were displaced and assisted by the Red Cross.

The fire was investigated by the Fire Marshal, and determined to caused by a child playing with a lighter.

On Friday, firefighters responded to a structure fire at 182 Forestdale Drive.  Crews spotted light smoke showing from the first floor door on the right side of the house.  The occupants were out of the home and were not injured.  The fire was located just inside the door and confined to the desk area.  The fire was knocked down quickly.

The fire started in a wall outlet.  There was no fire extension inside the wall.  The electric power was disconnected to the house until it could be repaired and inspected.

The fire was caused by a  malfunction in the electrical outlet.