Fire in South Salem Leaves Several Families Homeless (UPDATE)

Firefighters are still on the scene and Madronna Road is closed at Commercial. Traffic patterns will remain impacted throughout the day.

3-alarm fire on Madronna Road Photo: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - Salem firefighters spent much of the day on the scene of a three-alarm apartment fire at 365 Madrona Ave SE. The fire led to several injuries.

Fire Department Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says after the fire broke out, it quickly spread from one unit to another, but firefighters were able to stop the spread before fire destroyed the entire building.

Five units were directly damaged by fire, while seven more were damaged by heat, smoke, or water. Approximately 50 peopled lived in the building.

The occupant of the unit where the fire originated was treated by firefighter/paramedics and was transported to Salem Hospital by private vehicle.

Two firefighters received injuries fighting the fire. One was transported in fair condition to Salem Hospital, while the other was evaluated on scene.

Fire investigators feel that the fire originated around the deck, caused by an extension cord that ran from the living room. The occupant tucked the extension cord underneath the kick plate of the deck door. In doing this, the extension cord casing broke down and cause a short.

The Willamette Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross has been called to the scene. Spokesperson Margaret Sanner says the agency is preparing to deal with the needs of three families that are totally displaced over the fire. Contact them if you wold like to make a contribution.