November 23, 2007 - Structure Fire, Lansing Avenue NE

Two-Alarm Structure Fire is Suspicious in Cause

Update 11/23/07 at 11:45 am:   Salem Fire investigators, after an extensive investigation determined the fire to be accidental.  The cause was combustibles too close to a baseboard heater.  When firefighters originally arrived on the fire scene, both the front and back doors were wide open and they were unable to locate the occupant.  This is what first lead fire investigators to believe that this fire may have been intentionally set.

On Friday, November 23, 2007 at 1:18 am, a first alarm assignment (3 Engines, Ladder Truck, Medic Unit and Battalion Chief) responded to a Structure Fire in the 1800 block of  Lansing Drive NE.
Firefighters were made aware of the fire by a citizen who walked to the fire station and alerted them that there was a fire down the street.

When firefighters arrived on scene, the front portion of this single story duplex was involved with fire. A second alarm was called at 1:20 am sending more firefighters and equipment to the scene.  Firefighters began searching both residents for possible victims.  They discovered that both residents had been evacuated.  Firefighters had the fire under control within 10-minutes of their arrival.

The damage is estimated at $150,000.  No injuries were reported.

The fire is currently under investigation by a Salem Fire investigator and Salem Police arson investigator.

Scene Photos

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