Flames Sweep Through Vacant Salem Home

Nobody was injured as the fire caused an estimated $50 thousand in damages in the vacant multi-family structure.

Photo courtesy: Chris Riffle/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - Flames from a vacant house fire in Salem were extending up the backside of the 2-story multi-family structure at 1509 5th Street NE as firefighters arrived around 7:53 PM Thursday.

Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Riffle with Salem Fire says a 2nd alarm was called, bringing additional apparatus and firefighters, "Firefighters forced entry into the structure and made an aggressive attack to the front and rear portions of the home."

Battalion Chief Bob Davis reported that fire appeared to be extending from a rubbish pile on the back of the structure. The fire quickly spread to the second floor. Firefighters aggressively attacked the fire and got it under control.

It didn't appear that anyone was living in the home at the time of the fire.

No injuries were reported due to the fire. Estimate on property and contents damage is $50,000. An investigation is in progress at the time of this report.