Malfunctioning Bathroom Ceiling Fan Causes Salem Apartment Fire

Marta Mesa, the tenant had just rented the apartment the night before.

Photo: Salem Fire Department

(SALEM) - The Salem Fire Department responded to report of smoke coming from the attic at 3864 Sunnyview Road NE, at 7:24 AM on Friday.

The first alarm sent 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, and a Battalion Chief to the Stoneridge Apartments #8 at 3864 Sunnyview Rd. NE.

Light smoke was coming out of the eaves and attic vents of the building as firefighters arrived.

A 2nd alarm was called at 7:30 AM bringing additional apparatus and firefighters to the 2-story, 140-unit Stoneridge Apartments apartment building.

Firefighters made a rapid attack of the fire in the upstairs apartment bathroom ceiling and attic areas.

Capt. Wayne Ayars stated that the ceiling fan was melted and that firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to ensure that the fire did not extend into any other apartment units.

A short circuit in the bathroom ceiling fan was determined to be the cause of the fire, which was contained to the bathroom and hallway area of the apartment.

No injuries were reported due to the fire.

Marta Mesa, the tenant had just rented the apartment the night before.

Fortunately she was alone at the time; her 4 children and many household belongings were staying somewhere else.