Sean C. Morgan
Investigators have identified what they believe are the likely causes of two fatal house fires that are each blamed for the death of an inhabitant on Oct. 27, as the identity of the second victim.
Police identified the second victim as Adam J. Kolka, 35, said Police Chief Jeff Lynn.
He was killed in a fire at 1900 Willow St. Firefighters responded to the fire at 1:46 a.m. on Oct. 27.
Richard L. Row, 70, died inside his residence at 444 Maple Lane, space No. 1 in Holiday Park, located off the 400 block of Main Street. Firefighters responded to that fire at 8:17 a.m.
Firefighters extinguished the first fire and then located Kolka’s body inside the residence. He had been staying at the location with the permission of the family of the owner, Maxine Isabella. Isabella was staying with a family member at the time of the fire.
The State Fire Marshal and the Linn-Benton Fire Investigation Team determined that the likely cause was a cigarette on a mattress.
“Witnesses reported that Mr. Kolka had borrowed cigarettes and matches and was observed in the room where the fire was determined to have started hours before the fire was reported,” said Police Chief Jeff Lynn.
Kolka, who was a self-employed handyman, had been working for Isabella’s family around the house, Lynn said. “A family member had given him permission to stay at the location. Initially, when he began working on the property, we had received complaints of him living in a tent in the back yard.”
He subsequently received permission to stay inside the house, Lynn said.
Lebanon Fire Chief Dan Woodson reported the second fire while on his way to assist at the scene of the first fire.
Firefighters located Rowe, the single occupant, inside the residence.
The State Fire Marshal and LBFIT investigated and determined the likely cause was combustible material too close to a heating source in the living room area.
Police believe the two fires are unrelated and not connected, Lynn said.
“There’s no indication of foul play.”