At 11:13 p.m. on August 18, 2020, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported residential structure fire at 1096 NE Rifle Range. The reporting party stated all residents were out of the structure. Upon arrival on scene, firefighters found a single story residential structure with an attached porch engulfed in flames and spreading to the structure.
Firefighters conducted a primary search to confirm no occupants were inside the structure. Firefighters made an interior attack to extinguish the fire and completed overhaul. The home sustained significant structural and water damage. Two adult residents were displaced; however, no one was injured in the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting the residents.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, although discarded smoking materials may have caused the fire. Sixteen firefighters assisted with firefighting operations. Other agencies assisting with the fire included Douglas County Fire District #2, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Avista Utilities, Roseburg Police Department, American Red Cross, and Pacific Power.
The Roseburg Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the following safety tips:
- Always discard smoldering and spent cigarettes properly. Select ashtrays that reduce the chances of a burning cigarette falling onto carpeting and upholstery.
- Check wastebaskets and cushions in rooms where people have been smoking. Look for cigarette embers that are still burning.
- Smoking and drinking can be as deadly as drinking and driving. If you host a party and allow smoking, check under chair and sofa cushions before going to bed. Get in the habit of watching out for unattended, but smoldering cigarettes.
- Never smoke in bed or anywhere when drowsy. Cigarettes can smolder longer than most bedding materials and upholstery can resist igniting.
- Keep matches and lighters, especially novelty lighters, out of the reach of children. Even a toddler can operate a lighter. Child resistant lighters are not childproof.
Safety tips are courtesy of the Oregon Life Safety Team.