3-Year-Old Boy, Playing With a Lighter, Starts Apartment on Fire

Damage to the apartment complex was estimated to be over $100,000.

Photo courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - The Salem Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 call Friday for an apartment fire at 3235 Felina Avenue NE, the Woodbrook Apartments.

The first alarm came in at 10:50 AM.

The first alarm sent 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, and a Battalion Chief.

First arriving fire fighters reported flames shooting from the roof.

A second alarm was dispatched at 10:53 AM bringing more fire apparatus and fire fighters to the scene.

Sheena Ramirez, while getting ready for work moved her young son into bed with his aunt and a friend.

Brittany Amacher watches her nephew each day when her sister is at work.

She and her friend Ana Gonzalez where asleep when they were suddenly awakened to their bed being on fire.

They quickly got everyone outside and called 9-1-1.

Salem fire spokesman Bill Holstrom said the fire traveled up into the above apartment unit that was luckily vacant.

Neighbors were all evacuated while fire fighters battled the blaze. Firefighters were able to control and extinguished the fire, before the fire spread throughout the entire eight units.

Only three units where damaged in the blaze.

A Salem Fire Investigator determined the fire was started by a young boy playing with the a lighter.

Red Cross was notified to assist the families who are displaced.

The Salem Fire Department will be working with the family on fire safety education, to help prevent this from ever occurring again Holstrom said.