Lebanon Firefighters responded around 2:30 a.m. Feb. 15 to a reported structure fire in the 30500 of Butte Creek Road. Dispatch reported the homeowner smelled something funny and went to investigate, where they found a utility room with smoke and ash. When fire crews arrived, they found that the fire had snuffed itself out due to lack of ventilation. Crews began to investigate and found smoldering materials on the top of a freezer which was removed to the outside. When the freezer was moved, it revealed a “V” shaped burn pattern on the wall pointing back to where the freezer was located telling firefighters the fire started in that vicinity. Firefighters opened the wall near a melted electrical receptacle checking for any fire extension, while other crews went to the second story above to see if there were any other signs that smoke or fire made it through the wall. The fire was contained to the room of origin, with no additional fire located. Firefighters remained on scene approximately one hour investigating and using ventilation fans to remove any remaining smoke. A smoke detector was in the room but did not function. No injuries were reported and there was no displacement of the residents.
Lebanon firefighters responded to a reported building fire in the 29800 block of Santiam Terrace Road late in the evening on Feb. 11. When the first crews arrived, they reported a 40 x 60 shop fully engulfed. Firefighters quickly deployed hose lines and a water appliance called a Blitz fire to combat the blaze. When the incident commander arrived, he immediately called for a second alarm to bring additional water tenders to the scene from outside agencies to assist.
Firefighters made a defensive fire attack due to the amount of fire and building collapse. During the battle, explosions could be heard from propane tanks and ammunition that was being stored. No injuries were reported as the firefighters continued to extinguish the fire into the early morning. An estimated 60,000 gallons of water was used to combat the blaze while using six water tenders to shuttle the water.
The homeowners lost everything they stored in the building, as well as a vehicle that was parked just outside. They also lost items stored in a nearby 40-foot Conex container. The cause of the fire is under investigation with Lebanon’s fire investigation team (LFIT).
On Feb. 10 at approximately 11:26 a.m., LFD was dispatched to the report of a structure fire. Reports stated the fire was located in the bathroom of the residence and everyone was evacuating. The first arriving unit on scene reported light smoke coming from the structure. The next arriving unit pulled a hose through the front door and extinguished the fire. LFD was on scene for about 45 minutes ensuring the fire did not spread to other parts of the structure. Minimal damage was done to the structure. The occupants stated their smoke detectors had alerted them of the fire.
LFD responded mid-afternoon on Feb. 2 to a structure fire in the 3100 block of Old Santiam Highway. The first arriving unit reported a fire from the second story out a window. When the battalion chief arrived, he radioed dispatch of a working fire and after he completed his 360 walk around of the structure, the incident commander declared an offensive fire attack.
The first due ladder truck arrived and crews deployed two attack lines to begin combat of the blaze. The IC requested a second alarm rural assignment that brought additional water tenders and firefighters on engines to the scene from outside agencies.
Lebanon firefighters entered the building and encountered heavy smoke, which also obscured a staircase into a basement that was unknown to them. Fire crews were able to gain access into the living room where they encountered fire in the staircase to the half story above. Firefighters encountered another obstacle while combating the fire, which were live wires coming from the solar panels located on the roof. With the help of the homeowner, power was secured from the panels until Pacific Power arrived to cut the lines from the power pole.
Firefighters were able to get a quick knock down and began the mop-up stage. Even with all the power secured, firefighters were still running into electrical arcing due to the solar panels still producing power. Crews made access to the roof and covered the panels with heavy tarps which stopped the generation process. Fire crews were on scene approximately three and half hours and there were no reports of injury despite the dangerous obstacles firefighters faced. It is unknown at this time if the family cat was able to escape the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the fire district’s investigation team (LFIT) will begin to piece the incident together.
At 1:17 p.m. on Jan. 27, LFD was dispatched to the 38000 block of Weirich Drive for the report of a structure fire. Initial reports stated that the caller closed the door to the fire and was attempting to remove a female out of the house. The first arriving unit was a truck company which had to be diverted from simultaneous medical emergencies. The truck company reported a fully involved shed on fire and single-family dwelling as an exposure.
During the truck company’s 360 size-up, it was revealed the female made it out safely from the smoke-filled house. Firefighters from the truck company then quickly deployed an attack line and placed water on the fire. The fire was contained by 1:30 p.m. and crews remained on the scene completing salvage and overhaul of the shed, and smoke removal from the house until 3:00 p.m. Fire investigators were able to determine the cause of the fire as electrical overloading due to the significant damage at the end of a power strip. No firefighters or civilians were harmed in the fire.
Lebanon Firefighters would remind its residents to keep electrical cords tangle-free to help prevent possible fires. Remove electrical cords from under a carpet or rug. It is a fire hazar. Do not overload power strips. This can cause a fire.
The LFD would like to remind all residents of the importance of working smoke detectors. Regular cleaning of cobwebs and dust from around the detector as well as checking and replacing batteries. Also remember, smoke detectors usually have a ten-year life span and should be replaced when it reaches the expiration time frame. For those using alternate methods to power a residence, such as solar panels, clearly mark external disconnect devices to your home. For assistance with smoke alarms in your home, contact our Fire & Life Safety Division at 541.451.1901.