August 12, 2007 - Fatal Fire, Lancaster Drive

Fire Explodes Through Structure Injuring Occupant

On Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 3:17 AM, a first alarm assignment (3 Engines, Ladder Truck, Medic Unit and Battalion Chief) responded to a Structure Fire in 2200 Lancaster Dr SE Space 5C.

When firefighters arrived on scene, the structure was fully involved with fire coming out of the majority of the structure. Neighbors stated to fire fighters that they heard and explosion and noticed the structure was on fire. Firefighters discovered an occupant who was seriously injured and was transported to Salem Hospital. Fire fighter went into attack mode. They were greeted by a wall of fire and temperatures way over a 1,000 degrees.

It took fire fighters approximately 45-minutes to have the fire under control. The structure is a total loss as well as damage to the occupant's vehicle.

The loss is estimated at $70,000.

Salem fire investigator determined the fire to be incediary (Human Caused)in nature. The occupant appears to have involvement in the fires origin. At this time it does not appear that other persons may be involved with this incident and no information is available that indicates this. The occupant who sustained injuries at the fire scene was overcome by his injuries after being transported to Salem Hospital.