RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE FIRE - 872 W RAINBOW STREET - 2-20-22

Roseburg Fire Dept.

At 6:24 p.m. on February 20, 2022, the Roseburg Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 872 W. Rainbow Street. The fire was reported by residents of the duplex in front of the structure.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy smoke and flames showing from a residential structure located directly behind an existing duplex.  Upon investigation, firefighters found a fully involved structure that was impinging on the main duplex structure.  Firefighters extinguished the fire while stopping the fire from spreading to nearby residential structures.  The resident was able to safely exit the home without injuries.

A total of 15 firefighters assisted with firefighting operations. Other agencies assisting with the fire included Douglas County Fire District #2, Pacific Power, Avista Utilities, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.

The cause of the fire resulted from a candle being too close to combustibles.  The Roseburg Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the following candle fire safety tips courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association:

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn.
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach, in a locked cabinet.
• Do not burn a candle all the way down. Put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

        Picture by Shelly Owings-Watkins