Vacant House Fire in West Salem Does $1,000 in Damage

Salem Fire Investigator Jeff Mack determined the fire was started by combustibles placed too close to a wall heater.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - The Salem Fire Department responded to a structure fire, located at 2539 Wallace Road NW on Sunday.

The first alarm came in at 4:03 PM sending 3 engines, 1 ladder truck, and a Battalion Chief.

First arriving firefighters reported thick smoke coming from the upper story window.

Firefighters had the fire under control within minutes of their arrival saving the structure.

The residence was just vacated by renters a couple of weeks prior. The fire caused approximately $1,000 damage to the residence.

No injuries were reported.

Salem Fire Investigator Jeff Mack determined the fire was started by combustibles placed too close to a wall heater.

People who were taking care of the home for the owner, who lives out of state, were in the home Sunday and turned the power on to the building.

They did not realize that the electric heater also came on with the power.

They left the home and soon after the combustibles ignited.