2-alarm fire destroys West Salem home, displacing adults, children and pets
A two-alarm house fire late Thursday afternoon destroyed a home in West Salem and displaced five residents and their pets.
A dark column of smoke was visible in West Salem Wednesday, prompting responders to raise the fire to a second-alarm level, the Salem Fire Department said on social media.
Firefighters arrived on scene several minutes after the fire was reported at 4:44 p.m., dispatch records show. The fire was reported at 1579 Kenard St. N.W.
A total of 15 fire vehicles responded to the scene, according to dispatch records. It took firefighters two and a half hours to extinguish the flames and clear the scene. The department estimated the damage at $500,000.
A 19-year-old was home when the fire first started and safely evacuated to a neighbor’s house, according to the fire department. Firefighters also rescued a dog and cat from the home after arriving on scene.
The cat needed medical attention and responders provided oxygen to it.
The home’s top floor was heavily damaged by the fire as flames had spread through the attic, and the basement had significant water damage, the department said.
The family is receiving assistance from the Red Cross, which can provide resources and temporary housing.
Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].
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Madeleine Moore joined Salem Reporter in 2024 and reports on a variety of topics including public safety, addiction, treatment and the criminal justice system. She came to Salem after graduating from the University of Oregon in June 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
