On Sunday, November 25, 2007 at 2:07 pm, a first alarm assignment (3 Engines, Ladder Truck, Medic Unit and Battalion Chief) responded to a Structure Fire at 2244 Greentree Drive NE.
Prior to call to 9-1-1, the occupant/owner Michelle Montoya heard a large boom. She first thought that it came from down the street so she was looking out her window trying to determine where the boom came from. Her dog started to bark and she went to check what he was barking at. That is when she discovered the fire inside her garage.
She left the home and called 9-1-1. Four people live in the home (2 adults and 2 children), but she was the only one home at the time of the fire.
When firefighters arrived on scene, the garage was fully involved with fire. A second alarm was called at 2:12 pm bringing more fire fighters and equipment to the scene. The fire quickly spread up in the attic and to the other portions of the home. Fire fighters were battling the blaze when sparks started to shoot out at them from electrical outlets and other electrical sources. For fire fighters safety they backed out the garage area until the PGE could shut the power off.
Fire fighters had the fire under control within 15-minutes of their arrival. Red cross was requested to assist the family.
The loss is estimated at $100,000 ($80,000 Structure & $20,000 Contents). No injuries were reported. The fire is currently under investigation by a Salem Fire Investigators.