Keizer Fire Crews Team Up to Fight Difficult Fire In Snow Conditions

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but is not considered suspicious.

Photos: Keizer Fire

(KEIZER) - Keizer Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire, en route they were advised that it was "fully involved".

Despite snowy roads and an engine that was chained up, the first engine arrived in less than five minutes from the time of dispatch. At the time of the fire there were two teen males inside the residence, due to a lack of a working smoke detector they were unaware of a fast moving fire in their basement. Both males were barely able to escape the fire, but did so uninjured. A Second Alarm was called immediately to summon more resources from neighboring agencies.

The older home is a tri-level floor plan. When crews attempted an interior attack, they found that the floor of the home was unsafe to work on due to the fire weakening the first floor. Command called for all crews to exit the building and fight this fire from the outside. Shortly after, the first floor collapsed towards the rear of the house into basement. Not only did the weather and progress of the fire make it difficult to fight, but 15 people call this residence home, and had compartmentalized the residence, to fit their living needs. Due to the unsafe nature of the house, firefighters could only fight this fire from the outside. Crews spent 2- 1/2 hours on scene, until the fire was deemed extinguished.

KFD shared Thanks to Marion County Fire District #1 who provided Engine 725 and BC32 for this fire and covered Keizer with Engine 305 while Keizer crews were unavailable. Salem Fire Department also assisted by sending Engine 2 and Air 7.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but is not considered suspicious. Keizer Fire District reminds the public to always assure a working smoke alarm is in each hallway and bedroom, to warn of danger from a fire emergency, and evacuate immediately.