UPDATE: FIRE CAUSE DETERMINED - FIRE RIPS THROUGH LAKE OSWEGO HOME, INJURING ONE
Posted: January 24th, 2011 5:23 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-01/1045/41416/fire.jpg (heavy fire as seen from a neighbors house)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-01/1045/41416/DSCN0268.JPG
Fire investigators have determined that the most likely cause of the fire was a large dry Christmas tree that fell on top of a coffee table with a burning candle. The dryness of the tree made this fire so intense and spread throughout the house rapidly. The unaccounted cat was found on Sunday. Neighbors heard the cat and called firefighters to gain entry into the house. Firefighters found the cat in the same basement were Elvis the dog had been hiding alive and well but wet, cold and very hungry.
Fire heavily damages a house 2965 Tolkin Lane in Lake Oswego on January 21, 2011. The homeowner called 9-1-1 at 6:24 pm and when firefighters from Truck 211 arrived within 5 minutes, they found heavy fire coming from the front of the house. They also found the homeowner with burns to her hands and arms outside, she was transported to the hospital by AMR. The large split-level house was gutted by the fire and did an estimated $500,000 in damages. There were two cats and one dog in the house at the time of the fire. One cat was found deceased and the other one is still unaccounted for. The dog, which belongs to the nanny, was found alive by firefighters alive in the basement. Elvis, the small dog, was hiding under a chair in the basement and pocked his head out as they were working there. Deputy Fire Marshal Gert Zoutendijk said "it is amazing to find the dog, and to be alive after this catastrophic fire is not a common sight. Elvis is one lucky dog."
The fire is currently still under investigation and investigators will be back on Monday trying to determine the cause.
In all, 6 fire engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 heavy rescue and 5 support staff responded from Lake Oswego Fire Department, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and Portland Fire Bureau. The fire was under control just after 8 pm.
All photos courtesy of Emily Gauci
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