Salem-News.com Fire articles Page 35

Roof Collapses at Tualatin Commercial Building

The building has been deemed unsafe to occupy.

(TUALATIN, Ore.) - Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to a roof collapse of a commercial building at 8750 SW Old Tualatin Sherwood Road in Tualatin just after 9:00 AM this morning.

Walt Peck with TVFR says the caller to 9-1-1 also reported a strong odor of natural gas. Upon arrival, crews located and turned off the natural gas line for the building and worked to secure the site.

The portion of the building that experienced the roof collapse was unused and not heated. This likely contributed to an even greater build-up in the snow and ice load.

Weather Doesn`t Prevent TVF&R Crews From Containing Fast Spreading Fire‏

The preliminary cause of the fire was believed to be related to the furnace.

(CLACKAMAS, Ore.) - Fire crews from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and Lake Oswego Fire, were called out to a rural Clackamas County residence Tuesday night at 8:13 PM, after residents reported a fire in the basement and the house filling with smoke.

TVF&R reports that the occupants escaped the home without injury. Fire crews with all apparatus chained for traction encountered steep icy roads and no fire hydrants in the rural neighborhood east of Tualatin.

Firefighters in Tualatin Battle Heavily Involved House Fire‏

The home suffered heavy damage, however, no damage estimate is available at this time. There were no injuries.

(TUALATIN, Ore.) - Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews were called to a house fire at 22965 SW Riggs Road in Washington County tonight at 7:33 PM.

A news release issued by TVF&R states that on arrival, firefighters found a 2-story, single family residence fully involved with fire in a neighborhood without fire hydrants.

The first arriving crews began fire attack with their on-board water supply, while additional crews worked to set up water shuttle operations. Complicating the work of firefighters were arcing power lines. At 7:48 a second alarm called to bring additional resources to the scene.

Several Agencies Working Together Save Bridge Jumper`s Life

Multnomah Deputies Ken Yohe and Ron Osborn were able to pull Pietz, who was hypothermic, from his estimated 40 minutes in the water.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A number of Oregon and Washington emergency responders saved the life of a Ridgeland, Washington man last night at 7:15 AM.

The 38-year old man, Trenton Pietz, reportedly parked his black Lexus sedan in the middle of the Glenn Jackson bridge and jumped over the rail, plunging 100' into the river, according to Deputy Paul "Mac" McRedmond, the Public Information Officer with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.

He says Oregon Department of Transportation workers first spotted the abandoned Lexus, left with its engine running, in the northbound lanes of the bridge, on the south side of Government Island.

Man Arrested After Explosion Rocks Aloha Apartment Complex (PHOTOS)

Eleven people including seven children were displaced because of the fire. Red Cross Disaster Services responded to the scene to assist the families with shelter.

(ALOHA, Ore.) - Deputies in Washington County say a man was arrested last night after a series of explosions occurred in an Aloha apartment complex.

Keizer Puts New Ambulance Into Service

The new ambulance replaces a 2003 ambulance that will be rotated to become the District's second out ambulance.

(KEIZER, Ore.) - The Keizer Fire District placed a new ambulance in service at the end of November. The new advanced life support medical unit will be the new front line ambulance for calls in the Fire District, according to Fire District Spokesman Jim Trett.

He says planning for the new unit began approximately two years ago and was ordered in early 2008.

"Fire Chief Jeff Cowan pointed out that the new ambulance was not purchased with funds from the District's Levy approved by voters in the November general election", Trett said.

Firefighters Extinguish Blaze in Canby Duplex (PHOTOS)

"Medics treated the person on scene for injuries. American Red Cross is assisting the family with there immediate needs."- Canby Fire Spokesman Troy Buzalsky

(CANBY, Ore.) - The Canby Fire District responded to a Residential duplex on fire in the 300 block of South Manzanita Wednesday morning at 6:00 AM, according to Fire District Spokesman Troy Buzalsky.

He says that when fire fighter arrived on the scene, they reported large flames coming from the window of the home.

"They quickly asked for a second alarm. It took 25 firefighters from Canby, CCFD #1 and TVFR 30 min before they could gain control of the fire," Buzalsky said. Two adults and two children escaped from the home with one person sustaining minor injuries.

Two Families Displaced Over Fire

Fire officials remind residents to to check smoke detectors regularly and have older detectors replaced with newer ones that contain long-life batteries.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Marion County Fire District No. 1 responded to a silgle story house fire at 11:50 this morning at 8275 Hazelgreen Road NE.

The occupant told firefighters she was home with her 3-year old child when she heard crackling sounds from within the walls. When she went outside to investigate, she noticed smoke coming from the eves of the home and called 911.

The first responding units reported smoke coming from the eves of the residence which was partially involved upon arrival. Upon entry, firefighters encountered rolling flames in the hallway. Eight fire apparatus from Marion County Fire District responded and extinguished the fire within 10 minutes.

Sheriff`s Detectives Seek Information on Salem Arson

The Marion County‏ Sheriff's Office would like to ask if anyone has information regarding this case.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Marion County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a residential burglary and fire that happened Saturday in the 4000 block of 46th Ave NE.

Alternatives to Evacuation Can Save Homes, Lives

Researchers say alternatives to evacuation make sense because in many cases, mass "relocation" often results in traffic jams and car accidents, nervousness and panic, which can cause harm to people during fire events.

(PULLMAN, Wash.) - When uncontrolled fires are close to inhabited areas, people are asked to evacuate their homes. Lack of knowledge concerning what to do during a fire leaves some people with no alternative.

The United States does not have a lot of experience regarding alternatives to evacuation, but a Washington State University researcher and his doctoral student are studying several Western U.S. communities that have begun to explore opportunities for alternatives to evacuation during wildland fires.

"People hate to evacuate," said Matt Carroll, professor in the Department of Natural Resources Sciences. "When asked after an evacuation, many people say they will stay behind next time. There are many reasons for that feeling, you have to give up your autonomy and control over your life when you evacuate."