Burn Barrel Causes Structure Fire

Salem Fire wants to remind citizens that backyard burning is not allowed inside the City limits.

Photos courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM, Ore.) - Firefighters in Salem say a burn barrel caused a structure fire today at 3564 Jana Ave South. Fire crews rolled to the fire at 2:12 PM.

Salem Fire Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says that when crews arrived, the southwest side and the roof of the structure was on fire.

"Firefighters extinguished the fire within 10 minutes of their arrival. Very minimal damage was done to the inside of the structure. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the exterior of the structure."

He says the cause of the fire was determined to be a burn barrel that was placed to close too the residence. No injuries were reported due to this fire. The loss is estimated at $15,000 ($14,000 Structure & $1,000 Contents).

Holmstrom says the Salem Fire Department wants to remind citizens that backyard burning is not allowed inside the City limits. If the proposed burn is outside the City limits, you must check the burn information line at 503-588-6420 prior to burning. For more information on burning visit our web site at: cityofsalem.net