No Injuries in Keizer House Fire

Trett says fire crews initiated an aggressive attack and had it knocked down and overhaul underway at 6:26 PM.

File photo by: Tim King Salem-News.com

(KEIZER, Ore.) - Keizer firefighters responded to a report of a house fire just after 6:00 PM Sunday. The Salem 9-1-1 Center relayed that smoke was coming from a cottage at 1498 Alder Dr. NE.

Keizer Fire Spokesman Jim Trett says the cottage, with no independent address, was located behind the house at that address.

"When fire units arrived, at 6:15 PM, they observed smoke and flames coming from the back of the building and heavy smoke coming from the front door and eves of the structure. When they opened the front door of the house, they immediately encountered heavy smoke followed by flames through the door."

Trett says fire crews initiated an aggressive attack and had it knocked down and overhaul underway at 6:26 PM.

The fire was discovered by the occupant, Ryanna Lowsley when she returned home, Trett said.

"Ms. Lowsley called 9-1-1. The owner of the cottage was identified as Lonnie Craig of Keizer. No one was home when the fire broke out and no injuries were reported. Ms. Lowsley’s cat was reported missing but firefighter were not able to locate it in the home."

The fire gutted the bedroom of the residence. The remaining rooms of the residence received heavy smoke and heat damage.

A total of three engines, one ladder truck, two ambulances, one rescue and one incident command unit and 14 firefighters responded to the incident.

Trett says fire Investigators determined the fire started in the bedroom of the home, but the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage was estimated at $25,000 to the structure and $10,000 to its contents. Ms. Lowsley did not have renters insurance. Mr. Craig said the structure was insured.

Keizer Fire District officials reminded renters that renters insurance is fairly inexpensive and is a wise investment to replace personnel contents lost when fire strikes.
Source: Keizer Fire