Barn Fire in Salem Quickly Knocked Out

Fire experts say this should serve as a reminder as we enter the hotter months that drier conditions, cause landscape and structures to become much more flammable.

Photo courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - Salem Fire crews were called out to a structure fire Thursday afternoon at 3:56 PM. It happened at 4587 Orchard Heights Road NW.

The initial response involved a ladder Truck, Tender, Medic Unit and a Battalion Chief.

Fire Department Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says it happened in a barn. "When firefighters arrived on scene, they reported flames coming out the side of the roof. The first alarm assignment was reduced to a two-engine response."

He says crews were able to control it quickly, "Firefighters extinguished the fire prior to the fire doing any major damage to the roof or the barn itself." He says the cause of the fire was a burn pile too close to the barn. Fire experts say this should serve as a reminder as we enter the hotter months that drier conditions, cause landscape and structures to become much more flammable.

"Hot embers from the burn pile where blown onto the roof igniting the shingles. The loss is estimated at $500."