Baltimore fire investigators said several overheated extension cords caused a West Baltimore rowhouse to catch fire Thursday morning, killing three people inside the house.

The fire, which started about 2 a.m. in the 3500 block of Woodbrook Ave., originated on the first floor near combustible materials, according to Fire Department spokesman Kevin Cartwright. Investigators estimate about $50,000 worth of damage to the building and $20,000 worth of lost contents inside the home.

The cause of death for Alfred Goodman Sr., 61; Alfred Goodman Jr., 41; and Lakeisha Harrison, 19, will be determined by the State Medical Examiner's Office. Two other residents escaped the fire without injury.