Small Fire Damages Garage

The fire caused approximately $3,000 in damage.

Photo: Salem Fire Department

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Salem Fire Department responded to a call for a house fire at 4:49 pm on Friday at 3677 June Ave. NE.

Engine crews arrived to a single-family dwelling and found light smoke coming from the attached garage area of the home.

Firefighters extinguished the flames within minutes of their arrival, containing the fire to the garage.

Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to ensure that the fire had not extended into the attic and ventilated the smoke from the home.

They determined that the fire started from combustible materials placed too close to the water heater.

Renter, Lori Kesterson-Shephard and five kids were home at the time.

Lori stated she was in the kitchen and saw what appeared to be wisps of smoke coming from the door to the garage area.

She quickly evacuated the family and called 911.

Salem firefighters installed a working smoke alarm in the home, which did not previously contain one.

No injuries were reported and the family was allowed to return to their home.

The fire caused approximately $3,000 in damage.