2-Alarm House Fire on Madrona (UPDATE)

A boy who lives on Marshall Drive spotted the fire and alerted the homeowners, likely saving their lives.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Homeowner Paul Cimino says his family is alive tonight after a house fire, because a local boy spotted the flames and knew what to do. house on Madrona SE burned tonight, the extent of the damage still unknown.

"He came to the door and said my house was on fire. That's when I ran out, I noticed it was burning and I took off. I grabbed by dog and his wife. I tried to get a hose but I thought it wouldn't be worthwhile"

The first call of the 2-alarm fire came in at about 7:40 PM according to fire spokesman Sean Mansfield. Crews responded to the house fire at 1630 Madrona Ave SE, and found the fire underway, causing exterior damage.

A rapid fire attack haulted the fire just as it was starting to get inside both the kitchen and the living room, Mansfield said.

The local boy, Efren Lopez, is credited with quick thinking by the homeowner, "This guy is a hero, let me tell you. I'd probably be choking to death from fumes, thanks buddy." That is not a small thing, good job Efren.

The trees adjacent to the house received substantial damage from the fire, and a shed on the property also burned.

Fire investigators are looking into the cause, according to Battalion Chief Bob Davis of Salem Fire.