At 4:51 a.m. on November 18, 2017, Roseburg Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 519 W. Harrison Street. The structure fire was reported by the occupants of the home.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find a single family home with light smoke showing. Firefighters ensured all occupants of the home were safely outside and quickly extinguished the fire which was contained to a bathroom. The fire damage was contained to the room and contents. One patient was evaluated for smoke inhalation and refused treatment.
The structure which is valued at $132,000 sustained approximately $32,000 in damage. The cause of the fire was investigated and determined to be caused by clothing being stored next to an operating electric wall heater in the bathroom. A smoke detector was found in the residence but failed to operate due to a battery not being in place.
A total of 9 firefighters assisted with firefighting operations. Other agencies assisting with the fire included Bay Cities Ambulance and Pacific Power.
The Roseburg Fire department would like to remind citizens that a working smoke alarm saves lives. It is vital that you have a working smoke alarm in your home to ensure your family's safety from a fire. Working smoke alarms provide a critical early warning to a fire, allowing you vital minutes to escape, which increase your chances of survival. Remember the following safety tips:
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area (hallway).
Never disconnect or remove batteries from smoke alarms for other uses.
Use the smoke alarm's hush feature to silence nuisance alarms such as cooking smoke or shower steam.
Make a home fire escape plan and practice it with family members.
For the latest information regarding the City of Roseburg Fire Department, please visit our website at www.cityofroseburg.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roseburgfire.