Fire Investigators from Forest Grove Fire and Police Departments, the Oregon State Police, Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Portland Field Office worked all day Monday to sift through the debris from the fire and they determined that the probable cause of this fire was an electric portable heater that was in the living room. They discovered what appeared to be boxes of clothing inches away from the heater, the clothing likely ignited first and spread the fire to a nearby couch as well as the hospital style bed used by Mrs. Long. The tremendous fuel load of the couch and bed caused the fire to burn extremely quickly and the fire spread rapidly throughout the rest of the home. No working smoke alarms were found by fire investigators, though a very old heat detector was found; it appeared that it did not function.
This is the first structure fire fatality in Forest Grove in 13 years and has some characteristics that are common in fires involving our elderly population. Fire Officials urge that the community take steps to make sure that this kind of tragedy does not happen to them:
- Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, and never leave space heaters on when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Make sure that you have working smoke alarms that are less than 10 years old in your home. Test all of your smoke alarms monthly.
- Have a family fire escape plan and practice it regularly. If you have people in your home with special needs (like those in wheel chairs) identify ways that they can escape safely.
- Keep your exit paths clear, do not leave items in hallways and in doorways that can cause your exit from the home to be slowed down.
Forest Grove Fire & Rescue wants you to make fire safety a priority and we will help you identify ways to make your home fire safe. If you have questions about improving the fire safety of your home please call us today at 503.992.3240.