OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The owner of an Atlantic Avenue house who has vacated the home after it was involved in an electric fire earlier this week has put out a public plea for help.

On Tuesday, around 2:45 a.m., firefighters were called to a fire on the second floor of 36 Atlantic Ave. The fire was contained to the second floor – an open, finished attic space ”“ and was caused by an overloaded extension cord, said Fire Chief Ricky Plummer Tuesday. He said during Tuesday’s phone interview that though there was very little structural damage to the house, an inspection of the house would be made to determine if it was habitable.

Homeowner Joanne Poissant Corbin said Thursday she was told by the town code enforcement officer she can’t move back into the home until electrical work is completed and renovations and clean up is done on the second floor.

Corbin said she grew up in Biddeford and has lived in the Atlantic Avenue home for 24 years. She said she’s a widow on a limited income. A former cosmetologist, Corbin said she has a multitude of health problems and has unsuccessfully applied for disability.

Corbin said she did not have homeowner’s insurance, due to her financial situation and can not afford the work necessary to make her home habitable.

In the mean time, she’s staying with family in Biddeford, she said.

Corbin is asking for help securing a dumpster, an electrician, a carpenter and building supplies. Those interested can contact her by mail at 36 Atlantic Ave., Old Orchard Beach, 04064.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].