Three Alarm Fire in Jefferson

PHOTO: Jefferson Fire District

(JEFFERSON, Ore.) - At 3:23 p.m. today Jefferson Fire District was dispatched to a house fire in the 3400 block of Jefferson-Scio Drive SE in Jefferson, Oregon. Upon arrival Fire Chief Jon Zeilman could see flames shooting out of the back side of the house and called for a third alarm at 3:32 p.m.

It appears that the fire began on the back porch and burned into the dining and kitchen rooms. The rest of the house has extensive heat and smoke damage.

The owner had been working from home that day. His fiancé's 18 year old daughter was also home at the time of the fire and was in the house at her computer. The owner had driven down the road to meet his kids when they get off the bus from school.

A man that was driving by pulled over and asked the owner if that was his house on fire. The owner confirmed that it was his house and immediately called 911 and headed back to his house. The owner's fiancée was getting home from work and followed him back to the house.

When the owner ran into the house to get the 18 year old he discovered smoke in the house. They were able to grab the hamster's cage while leaving the house.

There are two cats that were not in the house at the time of the fire. There was a pet rat they were not able to save. The owners do have fire insurance and will be staying at a nearby location.

The fire is under investigation. The estimated damages are undetermined at this time.

Scio, Stayton, Turner, and Albany Fire Districts were dispatched to assist on the call. At 4:41 the fire was deemed under control. There are no injuries to report.

Source / Photos: Jefferson Fire District

PHOTOS: Aftermath of Fire | Fire view