Misused Water Bed Heater Causes Structure Fire in Salem

The cause of the fire was determined to be a misuse of a water bed heater that was being used on a regular mattress.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Salem firefighters were called out early Thursday morning at 5:53 AM. The Structure Fire was located at 2000 Robbins Lane SE Space 45.

Fire Department Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says the occupants Shawn and Debbie Neal discovered a fire in their bedroom after a smoke detector activated. They were able to get everyone out of the home safely.

When firefighters arrived on scene, Acting Captain John Justice reported smoke coming from the rear of this single story manufactured home. Firefighters made entry into the structure through the front door and to the rear bedroom.

They were able to quickly extinguish the fire prior to it spreading to any other portion of the home, saving thousands of dollars in possible damage.

Firefighters ventilated the building removing smoke from the residence.

It took 15 Firefighters just 7 minutes to have the fire under control.

The cause of the fire was determined to be a misuse of a water bed heater that was being used on a regular mattress. The loss is estimated at $10,000 ($7,000 Structure & $3,000 Contents).