Woman Was Lucky to Survive Flinn Building Fire in Albany

A person sleeping in the bulding was woken by the smell of smoke.

Photo courtesy: Phil McPherson/Albany Fire

(ALBANY) - A fire Wednesday morning at approximately 4:30 AM seriously damaged one of Albany’s historic buildings. Fire Spokesperson Wanda Omdahl says Albany Fire crews responded to a smoke investigation at 222 SW First Street.

The call was quickly changed to a second alarm fire. Before it was over, additional assistance came from Corvallis, Tangent, and Adair Fire Departments.

Omdahl says Aown Letourneax, owner of the Thai Tip Restaurant, had stayed late Tuesday night to call her family in Thailand and had slept over at the restaurant. “She was awakened to the smell of smoke. She made her way to the exit and was assisted from the building by Domonic Andrizzi who was passing by.” There are eight other businesses and a church that currently occupy the Flinn Building. Omdahl says there was smoke damage to the neighboring businesses, but the major damage was to the Thai Tip Restaurant.

Four people were evacuated from their apartments located in an adjacent building. There were no injuries.

Investigators believe the fire to be unintentional and most likely an electrical issue; however, the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Albany Fire or Police. The estimated dollar loss to the building and contents is approximately $300,000.