Sean C. Morgan
Two separate fires killed two persons Monday morning.
The Sweet Home Police Department has released the identity of one victim, Richard Rowe, 70.
The department was awaiting positive identification of the second victim and notification of next of kin before releasing the name, Police Chief Jeff Lynn said.
Firefighters responded to the first fire at 1900 Willow St. at approximately 1:46 a.m., finding heavy smoke and flames.
“The house had a large amount of contents, so there was extensive smoke and fire,” said Fire Chief Dave Barringer. The home had several layers of roofing, and when the roofing collapsed, it created a couple of voids, requiring substantial mop-up following the initial knock-down.
Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District called Lebanon Fire District in to help with the fire, Barringer said.
“After extinguishing the fire, personnel eventually located a body inside the residence,” Lynn said. Police are awaiting positive identification and notification of the next of kin before releasing a name.
Lebanon firefighters had been here for awhile when Lebanon Fire Chief Dan Woodson decided to come over to help as well, Barringer said. On his way to the scene of the first fire, at about 8 a.m., he saw and reported smoke coming from under the eaves of a singlewide manufactured home at 444 Maple Lane, Holiday Park, space number one.
Sweet Home firefighters responded to the fire, finding the home fully involved, Lynn said, and fire personnel located a body, Rowe, inside that residence.
Rowe lived alone at Holiday Park, 444 Maple Lane, space number one, located just off the 400 block of Main Street.
The Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements for Rowe.
Because of the fatalities, the Oregon Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into both fires through the Linn-Benton Fire Investigation Team, Barringer said.
“We’ll be handling the death investigation portion of both of them,” Lynn said, and his officers will work hand-in-hand with the Fire Investigation Team.
Police also will handle any possible arson case, Lynn said, although police do not have any indication of arson at this point. Sweet Home police also assisted with traffic control and scene security during the two fires.
The owner of the Willow Street home is Maxine Isabella, Barringer said. He did not know yet whether the home was insured.
“(Isabella) was at a daughter’s house and not on the scene during the fire,” Lynn said.
The estimated loss at each location was approximately $50,000, Barringer said.