TD man goes through window to escape fire, alerts others

Fire severly damaged a home at the corner of Kingsley and W. 16th Streets on Wednesday, Oct. 19th. All 3 people in the home escaped. One had injuries to his arm.

By Tom Peterson

Several people escaped the burning house on West 16th Street in The Dalles on Wednesday, Oct., 19th but damages to the home are significant, according to Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue Chief Bob Palmer. 

“One resident was transported to the hospital after he escaped from the residence,” Palmer said. “He was sleeping in a room and had to escape through a window and in so doing injured his arm. It’s possible he had some smoke inhalation too.”

After the man went out the window, he went around the house and alerted two individuals who were in the basement of the house. They escaped the home without injury.

The fire broke out at approximately 1:15 p.m. Large flames could be seen shooting through the front windows of the home as multiple fire agencies and police responded to the blaze. See CCCNews’ original story here.

Palmer said one other person was residing at the house, but had left prior to the fire’s start. 

“The house is not currently inhabitable,” Palmer said, noting damage from the fire, smoke and water did extensive damage.

Firefighters from Dallesport, Dufur, Klickitat County and Hood River all assisted. Palmer also said the Oregon Department of Forestry as well as the US Forest Service also responded to ensure that the fire did not spread to the wildland around the house on the southwest corner of Kingsley and West 16th streets. 

Palmer said the cause of the fire was undetermined and a further investigation would be conducted today, Oct. 20th.

“We should have more information on the cause hopefully today, or it could take longer,” Palmer said. “Sometimes the cause is damaged beyond recognition.” 

 While the origins of the fire are under investigation, friends and family of the people living at the home are already reaching out to help them. 

“Okay, so I'm sure some of you know today there was a house fire Off 16th and Kingsley road,” wrote Natasha Campbell on The Dalles Happenings page on Facebook. “My brother's home caught fire, and they lost everything. From all their furniture and clothing to their cats and birds. Luckily he and his father got out with their dogs And his stepmom was at work. Now I know the red cross helps out in events like this to put them up in a place momentarily. But I told them I would help out and reach out to the community to find resources for them. Because they are still in shock, I will be getting the clothing sizes once everything settles down. And will add them to this post if allowed.”

An outpouring of help could be seen on Facebook immediately after the fire as locals came to understand the damage caused by the fire.

Family also posted this message on a gofund.me for those affected by the fire.

“My Sister Rosie and Brother-in-law Carl's house burned and they lost everything. We are looking for Donations to keep them going until they can find a way to get a new place. Most know them from the Vault Days and Rosie is a Waitress at the Barbecue. Please do what you can to Help Them.”