Fire Severely Damages NE Salem Home

Nobody was hurt in the 2:07 PM fire.

Photo: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM, Ore.) - A Salem woman was surprised today to learn that a loud boom she heard actually came from her own garage. Salem Fire Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says it happened just after 2:00 PM when the occupant/owner at at 2244 Greentree Drive NE, Michelle Montoya heard a large boom.

"She first thought that it came from down the street so she was looking out her window trying to determine where the boom came from. Her dog started to bark and she went to check what he was barking at. That is when she discovered the fire inside her garage."

Holmstrom says Montoya then called the fire in. "She left the home and called 9-1-1. Four people live in the home, two adults and two children, but she was the only one home at the time of the fire."

When firefighters arrived on scene, the garage was fully involved with fire. Holmstrom says second alarm was called at 2:12 PM, bringing more firefighters and equipment to the scene.

"The fire quickly spread up in the attic and to the other portions of the home. Firefighters were battling the blaze when sparks started to shoot out at them from electrical outlets and other electrical sources."

He says that for the firefighters' safety, they backed out of the garage area until the PGE could shut the power off.

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The fire was under control within 15-minutes of the firefighters arrival. Holmstrom says the Red Cross was requested to assist the family.

The loss is estimated at $100,000, $80,000 Structure & $20,000 Contents. No injuries were reported. The fire is currently under investigation by a Salem Fire Investigators.