Two Perish in Salem House Fire

Includes video report by Jerry Freeman.

Photo and video by Jerry Freeman Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - At approximately 7:08 p.m. on January 18, 2013, fire crews from the Salem Fire Department were dispatched to the 5400 block of Portland Road NE in Salem, Oregon for a report of fire in a single-family manufactured home. The fire was discovered by a neighbor who noticed smoke and flames. Multiple 911 calls were received, with caller's reporting large flames above the roof of the residence.

While en route, fire crews upgraded the response to a second alarm. The Salem Fire Department responded with a total of six fire engines and one ladder truck as well as command staff. Rural Metro Ambulance also responded for medical coverage.

First arriving fire units arrived within 7 to 8 minutes of being dispatched to the call and found the residence fully involved with fire. Firefighters attacked the fire in a defensive mode, evacuated adjacent structures, and prevented fire spread while suppressing the fire. Due to the amount of fire present in the residence and loss of structural stability, firefighters were not able to make entry and extinguished the fire from the outside. During the fire, crews learned that the two adult occupants of the residence were unaccounted.

After the fire was suppressed, firefighters and fire investigation personnel were able to locate two fire fatalities inside the residence. The fire victims have been identified and next of kin notifications have been made by the Salem Police Department. Initial reports from the medical examiner's office indicate both victims appear to have died of smoke inhalation.

One firefighter injury was reported, which did not require immediate medical attention. Fire damage estimates are unknown at this time and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
- Info from Salem Fire

This video report was shot, edited and filed today by Salem-News.com's Jerry Freeman: