ONE MAN DIES IN LEBANON FIRE DISTRICT BLAZE

Lebanon Fire District

A Lebanon man died late Saturday night after a fire started in his double-wide mobile home in rural Lebanon. The occupant’s roommate was able to escape the blaze and call 911. Reports were relayed to the Incident Commander (IC) that there was a possibility of a victim in the home with a dog. The IC arrived to find a fully involved mobile home fire. The IC, after making his 360° assessment, quickly determined the residence was untenable for survivability and that he would not send firefighters inside the structure, making it a defensible fire.

Firefighters were able to train fire streams into the building from the outside, noticing several places in the roof area had collapsed. The IC requested 2 additional water tenders from neighboring departments to bring water to the scene. After several hours firefighters had the blaze under control but still could not make access into the structure due to the amount of damage. Firefighters were able to use a track-hoe from the county to help pull the collapsed roof from the building. 

Firefighters were able to locate the victim once the collapsed metal roofing was removed. Unfortunately, the dog was never found by firefighters and at this time is unsure if it escaped. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office, Linn County Sheriff’s office and the Lebanon Fire Investigation Team worked together for the investigation. 

Due to the extent of the damage and structural instability from the fire the cause is undetermined after the investigation. No firefighters were hurt during the incident and an Albany ambulance was brought to the scene to evaluate the second occupant of the building.

Lebanon Fire District was assisted at the scene by Linn County Road Department as well and the County Sheriff’s office for traffic and to maintain the scene. Scio Fire District provide a water-tender, as well as Sweet Home Fire District. Albany Fire Department provided an Engine and Medic unit to provide coverage for our citizens.

Lebanon Fire responded with 19 personnel on one engine, one ladder truck, two ALS ambulances, one BLS unit, two water tenders, one heavy rescue and a rehab vehicle for firefighters. Four staff officers responded as well.

The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind its residents to check your smoke detectors and if you use a wood fireplace or stove to make sure it and its flue are well maintained.