Burned on the Fourth of July
Fire Sweeps Albany American Legion Post

The 4th of July is a special time for the American Legion and they had several events planned to celebrate this holiday. The events will most likely have to be canceled.

Video and photo by Jerry Freeman Salem-News.com

(ALBANY, Ore.) - Firefighters rushed to the American Legion Post 10 in Albany, Oregon, just twenty minutes after July 4th began.

Investigators aren't sure what started the blaze; Wanda Omdahl with Albay Fire, says the report came in at 12:22 a.m.

It is a sad way to kick off the holiday honoring American independence. The American Legion hall is a member-owned club where Veterans gather in solidarity. It has been in place for a long time. One Salem resident told Salem-News.com that he met the legendary WWII Marine pilot Greg 'Pappy' Boyington at the American Legion Post in Albany in 1980.

Omdahl says firefighters arriving on the scene found flames showing from the building. At 12:31 a.m. a second alarm was required and at 1:21 a.m. it became a third alarm fire.

Approximately 42 firefighters were called out to the scene, from agencies in Scio, Lebanon, Corvallis, Philomath and Jefferson were called to the scene.

The bartender of the post reports locking the door at 10:00 p.m. with no one in the building.

The American Legion post has approximately 1800 members; between 100-150 people that patronize the American Legion during any given week.

Omdahl says they do have insurance. There were no injuries.

Albany Fire Update from Wanda Omdahl:

"As of this afternoon, July 4th 2010 at approximately 3:00 p.m. Albany Fire Department was continuing to work on putting out hot spots at the American Legion Post 10 fire. The investigation cannot begin until all the hot spots are out. This has been a devastating fire for the community.

A member of the American Legion was heard to say that there were many widows in this community that use the American Legion building as their social outlet and it's gone. Albany Fire Department officials attended a meeting at Eleanor Hackleman Park with Legion members at 2:00 p.m. so that they could answer any questions the Legion members may have.

Albany Fire Department will continue throughout the day and into the night to monitor hotspots and will maintain control of the building until the investigation is complete. Albany Fire Department and Albany Police Department will work together on the investigation of this fire and anyone having information in regards to the fire please contact Albany Police Department at 541-917-7686.

Video recorded by Jerry Freeman, Salem-News.com.