Family Escapes Burning House in Jefferson‏

One firefighter was transported to the hospital suffering from heat exhaustion.

Photo courtesy: Elaine Parrott/Jefferson Fire District

(JEFFERSON, Ore.) - A family is safe this afternoon thanks to a smoke alarm and knowing that a quick exit from a burning house is above all the most important thing to do when your house is on fire. They lost the contents of their home however, and the public will have a chance to lend them a hand.

Elaine Parrott with Jefferson Fire says Heather Capistrano and three of her five children were home when the smoke alarm sounded Thursday afternoon.

Hannah, her 15 year-old daughter, noticed smoke coming from the laundry room, Parrott said.

"Hannah told her mom to get the other two children and get out of the house. They exited out the back door and went to a neighbor's house. The neighbor called 911 for help at 2:10 PM."

She says Joe and Heather Capistrano live the in home located at 480 5th St. with their five children; Hannah 15, Tanner 10, Caelin 6, Bella 2, and Tristan who is 9 months.

"The fire appears to have started in the laundry room area and the fire is under investigation by the Marion-Polk County Fire Investigation Team at this time," Parrott added.

The house is a total loss and the family did not have renter's insurance. "The family lost everything," Parrott said.

"The American Red Cross-Willamette Chapter will be assisting the family. The public can contact the Jefferson Baptist Church at 541-327-2939 to donate furniture or household items."

Anyone wishing to make a monetary contribution to the family can send it to the Jefferson Baptist Church at P.O. Box 240, Jefferson, OR 97352. The Jefferson Volunteer Firefighter Association is also making a monetary contribution from their burn-out fund.

The home is owned by Harold Dyer, Mike and Kari Pederson and the house is insured. It is valued at $150,000.

Firefighters from Albany, Turner, Stayton, Aumsville, and Scio assisted the Jefferson Fire District. One firefighter was transported to the hospital suffering from heat exhaustion.