A resident and two cats escaped a house fire late Wednesday morning at the corner of Denny School and Sandridge roads.
Lebanon Firefighters responded to the fire at 10:41 a.m. to find “heavy fire conditions” on the exterior at the front door. Crews were quickly able to knock down the blaze at the front door and prepare for interior, offensive operations.
Firefighters created vertical ventilation, allowing for smoke and heat to ventilate, Lebaon Fire District reported. Crews were able to re-engage the blaze and then bring the fire under control.
Firefighters had to cut multiple holes in the roof due to it being a former school building that had been converted into a home. High ceilings with void spaces made it difficult for firefighters to get into the attic where the fire was seated. The incident commander upgraded the blaze to a second alarm, calling in more firefighter resources to help fight the fire and bring in additional water.
One resident was able to escape uninjured and firefighters were able to find two cats that were located back in the bedrooms of the house uninjured but scared.
The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time. No firefighters or residents were hurt.
LFD responded with 21 personnel on one truck, one engine, a medic unit, two water tenders, one rescue and five staff vehicles. Lebanon Fire was assisted by Albany Fire Department at the scene with a ladder truck, and a water tender from Tangent Fire; while Sweet Home Fire assisted in covering the citizens of Lebanon with an engine and a medic unit. Due to the location and busy roads, LCSO assisted in traffic control.