Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance responded to multiple calls for two back-to-back structure fires starting at around 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 28.
In a press release, SHFAD reported that the first fire was initially called in by a passing motorist who could see smoke near a shop at 28160 Hwy 20. The first responding unit was initially investigating smoke in the area when it was discovered that there was a structure fire in the bay of an unoccupied shop.
A first alarm was dispatched and four apparatus responded with 10 firefighters to fight the blaze. The structure was a large shop with a mechanics bay that had an interior fire burning out into the eaves.
After ensuring that no one was inside, firefighters took advantage of the building’s construction type and prevented the fire from spreading into the rest of the shop by using a technique that prevents oxygen from getting to the fire and cooling the room of the fire rapidly. The fire was contained to the room of origin, but everything was lost or severely damaged in that bay. The fire is believed to have started from an electrical issue with an extension cord underneath some tires and rims.
While restoring equipment on scene at the first fire, another crew was dispatched near 5191 Redwood St. after SHFAD was informed the train trestle bridge over Wiley Creek owned by Albany and Eastern Railroad was on fire.
Crews made access to the bridge and extinguished the fire using water and foam. A civilian who worked near the area saw the smoke and responded with a fire extinguisher, diminishing some of the flames prior to firefighters arrival.
The railroad ties and some of the structural members were flame-damaged, but remained structurally intact and will be inspected by the railroad company to ensure safety. SHFAD reported the fire appears to have been started beneath the bridge near a structural member from a pile of trash, and remains under investigation.
The Oregon Dept. of Forestry also responded to both fires and supported SHFAD with engines, water and personnel. Sweet Home Police Department and Linn County Sheriff’s Office also assisted, and off-duty personnel at SHFAD provided medical emergency response for the district.
According to a SHPD report, an investigation is continuing and a report was taken for arson II, criminal trespass I, criminal mischief I and reckless endangering.