The Lebanon Fire District reported it has seen an unusually high occurrence of fires in the area, recently responding to three fires in the District and one in Sweet Home in fewer than 48 hours.
The first two fires, both in Lebanon, occurred on Sunday, March 26. According to LFD, crews battled a blaze in a pole barn on a property that provided difficult access, as it was full of RVs, cars and other obstacles. In addition to being one of the four fires in two days, this was also the second fire at this property in less than a month.
Later on Sunday, the same crews were dispatched to a fully-engulfed RV in a rural part of the District. Even without access to the city hydrant system, the fire was knocked down within 20 minutes of arrival.
On Monday evening (March 27), Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District was busy with its own structure fire. As part of a mutual aid agreement, LFD sent Aerial Truck 34 (T34) to assist, as well as a fully-staffed ambulance to cover any EMS calls for service during the fire. While those six duty crew members were assisting Sweet Home, several of LFD’s volunteers and off-duty staff clocked in to cover Lebanon.
The final fire came in on Tuesday morning (March 28), approximately 20 minutes before the 7 a.m. shift change, which meant crews that battled the previous night’s fire were dispatched again, much like Sunday’s fires.
First-arriving units found a residential home in the 300 block of Maple Street showing flames and smoke from both the home and attached garage. Firefighting efforts were challenged by the older construction of the home as well as a large volume of personal contents in and around the structure, LFD stated. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control, but 5th street was closed to local access for several hours.
Because of the shift change timing, LFD was able to respond with over 25 members between A- and B-shift personnel, commanding officers and volunteers. One resident was evaluated for a minor burn injury on scene that did not require medical transport, and no firefighters were injured.
LFD extended thanks to to PP&L for securing electrical, Albany Fire Department for sending one engine and one medic to cover the district, and the City of Lebanon for providing traffic control. The cause of this fire also remains under investigation.
Though no causes for any of the fires have been determined yet, LFD reminds residents to be cautious when using alternative home-heating methods, such as space heaters, and the importance of regularly testing and maintaining smoke alarms. For those who need assistance with smoke alarms or wish to schedule a free home safety evaluation, call the Fire & Life Safety office at (541) 451-1901.