The Salem Fire & EMS Department responded to a structure fire at 833 Kerner Ave. on August 8 at approximately 3 p.m. When firefighters arrived on Thursday afternoon, they found heavy smoke coming from the home. Crews made entry into the house and discovered a fire in the basement that had extended to the first floor.
There were two residents inside the home at the time of the fire and they were able to escape safely before firefighters arrived. Two dogs were rescued from the fire, administered oxygen by our personnel, and they survived. A pet ferret did not survive the fire.
The first units arrived at the one story-residence within five minutes of receiving the 911 call and they were able to bring the fire under control in 30 minutes.
Approximately 33 personnel from the Salem Fire & EMS Department (Truck 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Rescue 801, Medic 802, Medic 803, Medic 804 Battalion 1 & Fire Medic 1) and the Roanoke City Fire & EMS Department (Engine 13, Ladder 5 & Battalion 2) responded to the call. Personnel from both the Roanoke City Fire & EMS Department and Roanoke County Fire & Rescue assisted with handling additional calls while our personnel were working on the fire.
The Salem Fire Marshal’s Office ruled the fire accidental with approximately $275,000 in damages. Five residents were displaced by the fire and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.