Suspicious Fire in Albany Vacant House

PHOTO: Albany Fire Department

(Albany, Ore.) - This morning at 2:06am the Albany Fire Department was called to a vacant house fire at 6061 Columbus ST SE.

The house at this address is the seventh suspicious house fire since late October; six vacant and one that had occupants. The house on Columbus was built in the late 1890's by the grandparents of the owner, Kent Chapman.

The house was under renovation and the plan was to move it at some point. The house was completely destroyed. It was insured for $50,000.00. This was a first alarm fire for Albany Fire Department. Tangent, Lebanon, Scio and Corvallis Fire Departments came to Albany to assist.

There were no injuries. Approximately eleven emergency vehicles and 30 firefighters responded to the scene.

Here are some Home Safety Tips:
Make sure you have working smoke alarms, they double your chances of escaping a fire. Albany Fire Department has a free smoke alarm program call 541-917-7734 for more information
Have an escape plan and practice it with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of fire.
The following are ways you can secure a vacant building:
Make sure door locks work.
Windows should be boarded up on the outside to prevent breakage.
Buildings with basement entrances should have doors secured from the inside.
Turn off unnecessary electrical circuits.
Remove any rubbish and/or debris from inside and outside the home.

Knowing who and what belongs in your neighborhood is also a way to keep everyone safe. If you witness suspicious behavior contact your local law enforcement, Albany Police Department at 541-917-7680 or Linn County Sheriff at 541-967-3911. Also, if you are interested in starting Neighborhood Watch programs contact Lynn Hinrich at 541-917-3208.
Source: Albany Fire Department
Aftermath of Fire 1 | Remains of Home | House engulfed in flames | Wide view