Area fire departments respond to Park Street fire

Photo by Corbin Henderson

The Lebanon Fire District responded to a reported structure fire in the 400 block of Park Street on Saturday, Dec. 23, around 11:27 p.m. The first reports were that people were screaming for help and exiting the structure. The first arriving BC arrived on scene and reported heavy fire on both the first and second floors of the structure, with fire threatening two other neighboring houses.

The first arriving engine was ordered to take a hydrant and utilize the deck gun on the top of the engine to try and stop the forward progress of the fire. A second alarm was requested, and units from Albany, Scio, Tangent and Sweet Home fire departments responded to assist. Pacific Power and Light responded and secured power to the residence for safety reasons. The house was not currently being occupied by the owner and no injuries were reported.

Firefighters look at the building’s structure on the morning of Dec. 24. Photo by Sarah Brown

Due to the type of construction with void spaces and high ceilings, the fire was hard to control. Crews were on scene for more than three hours to make sure all the fire was located and extinguished. LFD responded with 22 people on 14 pieces of apparatus. The second alarm assignment brought an additional five apparatus and 19 people to help with the firefight and cover the district for any other calls that came in.

The LFD would like to remind the public to use caution during colder temperatures, and to use safe heating sources in the home and make sure your smoke detectors are in proper working order.