Authorities are investigating the discovery of human remains at a structure fire that was the origin of the Board Shanty Fire that erupted on July 17th.
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office reports the remains were found one day after the 469-acre fire started in the 2200-block of Board Shanty Creek Road. The burning house as well as vehicles and recreational vehicles spread to the wildland.
During the initial investigation into the cause of the fire, deputies learned that a woman who lived in the house was missing and could not be located by friends. The remains found in the burned residence are believed to be those of Sarah Caron. Confirmation cannot be made until further DNA testing is completed, but Caron's family has been advised.
The investigation into the incident is being conducted by the Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office and Oregon State Police Crime Lab.
Investigators said the residence where the fire started was the only one lost in the Board Shanty Fire although several properties were threatened. They are unaware of any other people unaccounted for in regard to the incident.
According to the Sheriff's Office, many aspects of this incident are still under investigation and no further information is available at this time.
