Firefighters Rescue Elderly Woman, Two Dogs From Burning Home in West Salem

The woman's two dogs are being cared for by neighbors.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - At 9:04 AM on Saturday, the Salem Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire at 1396 Windsong Ct. NW.

Capt. Bill Hurley stated that smoke was showing as Engine 5 arrived.

They forced entry into the home to find heavy smoke and flames throughout the living room area.

The crew immediately went into a rescue mode.

A second alarm was called at 9:17 AM bringing additional resources.

Firefighters removed a 66-year old woman from the home and had the room and contents fire out in about 20 minutes.

Capt. Hurley said the fire had been smoldering for several hours and that it appeared to have started on the couch, likely from a smoker's carelessness.

The homeowner was alone with her two dogs, which ran out of the house as fire firefighters arrived.

She was transported to Salem Hospital.

Neighbors are taking care of the two dogs.

The home sustained heavy heat and smoke damage throughout, estimated to be approximately $40,000.