Woman Escapes Salem House Fire

Investigators say the fire was accidentally caused when the occupant left a pot of tea on the stove while she went to get the paper.

Photo courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 865 Kingwood Drive NW today just after 10:30 AM. Fire Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says that when first response firefighters arrived on scene, they had light smoke coming from the front door of the cottage of this large home.

"While pulling attack lines the smoke turned to thick black smoke indicating a large fire inside. A second alarm was requested at 10:39 AM sending additional apparatus and fire fighters to the scene."

He says that when fire fighters entered the structure they discovered the kitchen fully involved with fire.

"Firefighters were able to control the blaze before it destroyed the residence and/or spread to the main home. Fire fighters controlled the blaze within 5-minutes of their arrival."

Salem Fire investigators say the fire was accidentally caused when the occupant, Alice Gruber, left a pot of tea on the stove while she went to get the paper.

"When she returned the stove was on fire. She was able to escape safely. The owners were not home at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.

Holmstrom says the damage estimate is $30,000 ($25,000 structure and $5,000 contents).