93-Year Old Woman Extinguishes Kitchen Fire

Before clearing the residence, Salem firefighters installed two smoke alarms.

Photo courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - A Salem woman's quick thinking Saturday put an end to a kitchen fire that could have been much worse. The fire happened at 925 15th Street NE just after 5:00 PM.

Salem Fire Department Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says Mary W. Earls was baking herb oil in her oven at her residence when the house suddenly began filling with smoke.

Ms. Earls went into her kitchen and discovered a fire in her oven. She first tried to extinguish the fire with salt, which didn't work. She then used a portable fire extinguisher, which knocked down the main fire.

Holmstrom says the woman then evacuated her home and shut off all the breakers at her breaker box, which was located in her carport.

The single-alarm sent 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, and a Battalion Chief. The first arriving firefighters reported smoke from the front portion of the structure. When firefighters entered they discovered smoke throughout the residence and a small oven fire.

Holmstrom says firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and ventilated the home of smoke.

They also installed two smoke detectors. Salem Firefighters commend Ms. Earls in her quick thinking and actions that helped save her home.

It was determined the fire was started by the container of oil that Ms. Earls had in her oven that overheated. Damage was estimated to be over $5,000.