Two Structures Burn, Firefighting Efforts Hampered By Lack Of Access (Photo) - 10/02/26

Sweet Home crews were dispatched to a structure fire in the 800 block of 18th Avenue at 6:38 pm after multiple callers reported heavy black smoke and flames with windows breaking out. The Incident Commander arrived in the area and was notified by law enforcement that only one fire engine would be able to make it up the driveway. Access to the structure was extremely narrow and overgrown with brush and trees preventing even the first engine from making access. As a result hoselines had to be stretched up the driveway while other units made access from the next block through neighboring yards and fences. Overhead wires prevented the use of elevated streams or lighting further hampering efforts. When the Incident Commander arrived heavy fire was coming from both the front and back of the structure blocking access to the far side of the house. Once access was made through the fencelines of neighboring properties, crews discovered that a second structure was also heavily involved. That structure, a detached garage, along with the primary residence were surrounded by heavy brush and trees and were threatening neighboring homes on Grape Street prompting evacuations of those homes while crews brought the blaze under control. A second alarm was requested for manpower, bringing an engine from Brownsville Fire, and an engine a tender and another Chief officer from Lebanon Fire. Sweet Home Fire units on scene included 2 engines, a ladder truck, a rescue, a medic unit and 2 Chief Officers. A total of 26 firefighters worked to control the fire. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The resident of the structure was not injured. The Oregon State Fire Marshall's Office will be investigating the scene to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Sweet Home Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the night providing fire watch.