Firefighters battle 2-alarm house fire in N.E. Salem

(SALEM,Or) — At 4:15 PM this afternoon, Marion County Fire District No. 1 (MCFD1) firefighters were called to a possible house fire in the 3000 block of Woodleaf Street in N.E. Salem.

Upon arrival, personnel found a single-story home heavily involved in smoke and active fire, threatening neighboring homes. The incident commander immediately upgraded the response to a 2-Alarm Fire, bringing additional fire apparatus and personnel to suppress the fire. After 45 minutes of firefighting, personnel were able to bring the blaze under control. During the firefighting efforts, crews searched the smoke filled home for any victims. No victims were located and no injuries were reported.

N.W. Natural Gas and Portland General Electric also responded to the scene to assist in turning off utility services to prevent injuries to firefighters.

Fire personnel on scene have ruled the fire suspicious. MCFD1 Fire Marshal Paula Smith responded to the incident scene and is conducting the fire cause investigation with the joint support of the Marion County Sheriff's Office, as well as the Oregon State Police. Due to the on-going investigation, no further specifics on the cause of the fire will be released at this time.

At the time of the fire, it did not appear that anyone was living in the home. As of the time of this press release, it is not known who the owners are.

The fire resulted in significant damage to the home and may likely result in a total loss. Units will remain on scene throughout the evening to provide scene security and monitor for any hot spots. Investigators plan to return to the scene in the morning to resume their on-scene investigation.

MCFD1 would like to extend their appreciation to Salem Fire Department for their assistance on the scene of this incident. MCFD1 also thanks Woodburn Fire, Silverton Fire and Aumsville Fire for the move-up coverage while units were on scene fighting the fire.

Source: MCFD#1