Three People Lucky to Escape Fire

If a person had not been awake, the circumstances could have been tragic, as the buildings had no smoke alarms.

Photos courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - Eric Loyd was playing his Playstation when he heard a "whoosh" sound. He walked out his front door and was hit by a wall of heat. He saw his neighbor's house fully involved in fire, so he ran yelling, "Fire, Fire" to make sure everyone got outside safely.

His neighbors Floyd Rundeoius and Wanda Owens were also able to escape the burning trailer without injury.

Salem Fire Department received the call for a structure fire at Lana Lane Trailer Plaza located at 1940 Lana Avenue NE. The first alarm came in at 1:37 AM Thursday.

The first alarm sent 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Tender, and a Battalion Chief. Firefighters stated they could see flames from several blocks away. First arriving firefighters reported a fully involved mobile home and travel trailer. A second alarm was dispatched at 1:45 AM bringing more fire apparatus and firefighters to the scene.

Firefighters battled the blaze for over 30 minutes before they had it under control. They had to also deal with hazards of large quantities of propane tanks and overhead electrical wires.

Due to their aggressive attack firefighters were able to save neighboring mobile home units. Although all occupants escaped both residences a small dog died in the fire. Also damaged in the fire were two vehicles.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation although investigators were able to determine it started underneath the exterior of the deck. Damage was estimated at $85,000 for both units.

It appeared the occupants did not have working smoke detectors in their homes. Salem firefighters went through the complex door to door and offered to install smoke detectors in each residence.

The American Red Cross was called to assist the victims. The Salem Professional Fire Fighters Union Local 314 as well as individual Salem firefighters provided donations to assist victims.

Special thanks to Bill Holmstrom for this report.