Six Escape Fast Burning Structure Fire in Canby

One of the people who made it out safely was a man who was physically disabled.

Photos: Troy Buzalsky/Canby Fire

(CANBY) - Firefighters were called out early Monday morning to a fire located at 1470 NE 11th Ave, in Canby. When fire crews pulled their apparatus out of the station they reported seeing a large column of smoke and a glow in the sky, "We knew we had a working fire," said first arriving Captain, Chip Bryant.

Division Chief Troy Buzalsky says that upon arrival, crews sized up the situation, which included speaking with the homeowners, Steve and Ronda Stone. The Stone's reported that all 6 people residing in the home had safely escaped… thanks to their smoke alarm,

Families that are sleeping when serious flames break out often don't stand a chance without one.

Steve Stone said, "I woke to the sound of the smoke alarm; I got up to investigate and found that our attic was on fire." He says he quickly alerted all the family members, which included his wife, her sister and brother-in-law who were visiting, Ronda's mother who was also visiting, and their son Colby, who is physically handicapped.

"We all got out pretty fast," Steve said. "We have never had a home fire drill, but everything seemed to fall in lace…thank heaven for that Smoke Alarm."

When firefighters arrived, Buzalsky says the fire had already burned through the roof; and 100% of the attic was engulfed in flames. Crews initially attempted to enter the upstairs through a staircase in the garage, but were quickly pushed out both with intense heat, and structural collapse.

"We had to withdraw from the structure and take a more defensive approach," said Captain Bryant. Firefighters were able to put the fire under control in 45 minutes.

The fire required a full second alarm response, which brought crews from Canby, Clackamas Fire, TVF & R, Aurora, and Woodburn to control the blaze.

There were no injuries reported, however, heat exhaustion and fatigue were carefully monitored in lieu of the humidity and warmer than normal morning temperatures.

The fire is currently being investigated, however, Buzalsky says the process will be slow and methodical because of the loss of structural integrity to the home. The home and its content are insured and preliminary damage estimates could easily exceed $500,000.

The Red Cross is currently working with the family to assist with all their special needs.