A homeowner and his dog escaped a rural residential fire, but Lebanon firefighters called the house “a total loss.”
Lebanon firefighters responded to the report of a blaze in the 31000 block of Fritz Lane in the early morning hours of Jan. 25.
The battalion chief found the residence fully involved and a nearby shop exposed to potential damage. When the first engine arrived, they went to work protecting the shop from the flames, while the second engine assisted in suppression and laying 800 feet of supply line to get the additional water needed.
Due to the rural location, the incident commander called for an additional water tender from Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District to aid in supplying enough water. Fire crews were able to get the fire under control and out in approximately an hour. Crews remained on scene for an additional one and a half hours pulling tin and getting into buried hotspots throughout the building.
The resident, who narrowly escaped, was later evaluated by fire medics on the scene, and his dog was also recovered alive. According to LFD, the house was a total loss. The cause of the blaze is being investigated by the Lebanon Fire Investigation Team (LFIT).
LFD responded with 22 personnel on three engines, two fire medics, two water tenders, one heavy rescue and one rehab unit for firefighters, as well as two chief officers. They were assisted at the scene with a water tender from SHFAD, Consumer Power and Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Linn County Road Department assisted with additional traffic control, as well as sanding the roadway after the incident due to the cold temperatures and ice forming from the water. Albany Fire Department assisted the citizens of Lebanon by covering the district’s additional 911 calls.
LFD asks residents to always follow safe home-heating instructions. This includes making sure there is ample space around wood stoves and fireplaces, burning dried, seasoned firewood, and always keeping the chimney and flue cleaned regularly. The LFD has a free chimney brush program for residents to use. Also check for working smoke alarms. For assistance with smoke alarms or the chimney brush program, contact the Fire & Life Safety Division at 541.451.1901.