Investigators Believe Livestock Heat Lamp Started Structure Fire in Merlin Area
A heat lamp is believed to be linked to a house fire in the Merlin area on Monday.
Rural Metro Fire Department and Grants Pass Fire & Rescue responded to a reported structure fire on Tomoe Court at 12:36 p.m. yesterday.
Rural Metro Engine 7505 from the Merlin Station arrived to find the fire had already climbed up the outside wall of the house and was actively burning through the attic and out the roof. All occupants were safely outside.
The fire was quickly contained, but the structure still sustained significant damage. However, most of the contents were saved.
An Oregon State Fire Marshal investigator found evidence that a heat lamp being used to keep livestock warm in a pen just outside the bedroom window was the likely culprit. Fortunately, no animals were harmed.
With the onset of cold weather, fire officials are urging anyone using heating devices to keep livestock warm to guard against practices that may result in a fire.
Each year, Rural Metro responds to several chicken coop fires resulting from lack of oversight in the use of heating devices.
Posted on 10/31/23 5:11AM by Sam Marsh
