Early raw video: Initial attack on Salem, Oregon house fire.
This is from a fire Friday afternoon in Salem, Oregon. StatesmanJournal.com reports two residents were alseep and escaped from the home around 2:00 PM. The first three short videos were shot by Kevin Scarborough and provided to StatesmanJournal.com. The bottom video is from SalemReporter on YouTube. Below are more details from reporter Stacey Barchenger at StatesmanJournal.com:
The two-alarm fire caused substantial damage to a home at 520 Statesman St. NE, which is between Center Street NE and A Street NE. When Salem Fire Department crews first arrived they saw flames and heavy smoke coming from the structure, Battalion Chief Brian Hoaglin said. Firefighters started a transitional attack, meaning they put water on the outside of the home making it safe for them to go inside and search for people.
The fire spread through much of the two-story home that also has a basement. Firefighters climbed ladders to the roof where they ripped off shingles to make sure the wood would stop smoldering.
He (Salem Deputy FM Laird Case) said the fire may have started in a bedroom on the first floor of the home. The cause hadn't been determined Friday, but Case said the residents had a candle burning and were using a heater.
