Three Pets Die in Salem House Fire

The Salem Fire Investigator stated there were an adequate number of working smoke detectors throughout the home.

Photo courtesy: Salem Fire/Bill Holmstrom

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem firefighters responded to a two-alarm house fire late Monday morning. The first alarm was dispatched at 10:30 a.m. to 4520 Drake Court NE.

"As they were responding, firefighters could see a large column of black smoke in the direction of the incident," Salem Fire Spokesman Bill Holmstrom said.

This prompted them to call for a 2nd alarm prior to the first crews arriving. "This brought additional equipment and fire fighters to battle this blaze," Holmstrom added.

Captain Paul Telfer, of Salem Fire Engine #3, sized up the incident by stating, "heavy smoke was pouring from the front of the structure, and as I continued to size up the scene I discovered the kitchen area engulfed in fire."

He said over 20 firefighters did an amazing job of containing the fire to the back of the structure.

"The fire was knocked down and under control with-in 15-minutes of their arrival. No one was home at the time of the fire, but it was discovered there were 3 pets; 2 possums and a cat, that did not escape the fire."

The Salem Fire Investigator stated there were an adequate number of working smoke detectors throughout the home.

No injuries were reported, and damages are estimated to exceed $75,000 for the building and contents. The occupants were insured and will be staying with family and friends until repairs can be made.

The three residents were all out of the house at the time of the fire. Ms. Diana Baldwin, the last resident to leave around 9:30 a.m., stated that everything appeared fine when she left.

The cause of the fire is considered accidental, and it appears to have started due to an electrical malfunction around a TV set in the living room.