Keizer Family Loses Pet Ferrets, Rats in Three Alarm House Fire

The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Salem-News.com

(KEIZER, Ore. ) - The Keizer Fire District responded to the report of a house fire shortly after 6:00 PM on Sunday.

The fire caused extensive damage to a single family home located at 1351 Lawless St. NE in Keizer.

Firefighters were alerted to the blaze at 6:12 PM.

Firefighters observed smoke in the area of the home while still several blocks away.

Upon arriving on the scene they reported that the garage was fully involved in fire with a large amount of flames coming from the back of the home.

They also reported heavy smoke coming from the rest of the structure.

The first engine arrived on the scene at 6:15 PM called for second alarm which brought additional equipment and manpower and began suppression efforts. The Incident Commander called for a third alarm at 6:37 PM.

Fire crews initially attacked the fire in the garage; their efforts were hampered by live electrical wires that were arching during their suppression efforts, but were able to knock down the flames quickly.

Firefighters then entered the front door of the residence and again were met by a large amount of fire. The fire was declared under control at 6:53 PM.

The home, owned and occupied by Michael and Tammy Hall and their two children, sustained heavy fire damage in the living room, kitchen and the garage areas and the rest of the structure suffered extremely heavy smoke and heat damage.

No damage estimate was available, but the structure is believed to be a total loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

But the family lost two pet ferrets and two rats in the blaze.

The family’s three dogs were not injured as neighbors opened the gate to the fence in the backyard to let them get away from the building.

In all 6 engines, one ladder truck, two medic unit and two utility vehicles responded to the fire along with twenty-seven firefighters.

Marion County Fire District #1 and Salem Fire Department sent firefighters and equipment to assist in suppression efforts and to provide backup support for other calls.

While crews were busy on the fire scene, crews received two other emergency calls. The first was received at 8:12 PM and a second call was received at 9:25 PM.