Commercial Fire in Salem Put Out Quickly by Fire Crews

Firefighters doused the flames within minutes, but no before they burned through a nearby power line.

Photo courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - The owner of a store called Myrtlewood was working inside Tuesday when a neighbor alerted him to the fact that the side of his building was on fire. Charles Hardgrove quickly evacuated the building and had his neighbor call 9-1-1.

Salem Fire Department received the call for a commercial fire at 4120 Portland Road NE at 10:39 AM Tuesday. The first alarm sent 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, and a Battalion Chief. First arriving fire fighters reported flames coming from the back portion of the building.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within minutes of their arrival. The fire was contained to an attached shed that a large motor that ran a dust collection system was located.

A power line that was exposed to the fire ended up snapping and starting a small grass fire.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Damage was estimated to be over $8,000.