House Fire Blamed on Electrical Short

Salem firefighters had just cleared a call for an apartment fire.

Photo courtesy: BIll Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - Linda Filley was working on her computer when she heard a noise outside. She discovered that the side of her house was on fire. She woke up her husband and they quickly evacuated their home.

Salem Fire Department received the call for an apartment fire early Monday morning at 790 Bieber Street NE. The call came in at 1:58 AM. The first alarm sent 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, and a Battalion Chief, most of which had just been on scene at a Salem apartment fire.

The first arriving firefighters reported flames traveling up the side of the home.

Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and had it under control within 5-minutes of their arrival, accoreding to fire department Spokesman Bill Holmstrom.

It was determined the fire was started by an electrical malfunction of newly installed exterior light. Damage was estimated to be over $20,000.